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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling diverse employment law challenges and providing strategic advice.
- Company: Birketts LLP is a top UK law firm with over 160 years of experience and a commitment to community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, hybrid working, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a highly ranked team known for its collaborative spirit and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Seeking driven individuals with a passion for business development and high-quality legal work.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns are welcomed, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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The firm
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The department
We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within the country, numbering over 100 specialists. Within this, the utilities sub team is a growing and dynamic part of the practice, advising on complex infrastructure, energy and utilities related property matters and volume conveyancing for the networks including electricity gas fibre water heat and EV Charge point operators.
We act for a wide range of clients including statutory undertakers, energy providers, water companies, and landowners. Our work spans acquisitions and disposals, easements and wayleaves, infrastructure agreements, and strategic land projects.
The team currently comprises 19 at varying levels of qualification making us one of the largest Utilities teams in England. We act for 11 of the 22 registered IDNO’s in the country. We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and timeliness of advice.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nationally recognised team with a strong pipeline of work and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.
Accountabilities
The ideal candidate will have experience in:
- Leading a busy diverse team at varying levels of experience and ability.
- Advising on land rights for utilities infrastructure, including leases, easements, wayleaves, and licences
- Acting on acquisitions and disposals
- Supporting Commercial Real Estate Teams on land assembly for major infrastructure projects
- Drafting and negotiating infrastructure agreements and development-related documents and network agreements
- Leading client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives in the sector
- Working with the Energy and Infrastructure Sector group
The candidate
We are seeking a solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE and a strong background in residential or commercial property, ideally with experience or a demonstrable interest in the utilities, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
You will be commercially astute, technically excellent, and confident in managing complex transactions and an enthusiastic team. Experience supervising junior lawyers and team leadership is essential at this level.
You will also be expected to:
- Play a key role in the growth and development of the Utilities team
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Contribute to thought leadership and sector-focused marketing initiatives
Birketts has designed a \’Talent Management Framework\’ which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. Promotion is based on assessment of your performance, competency and achievements. Our Talent Management Framework will see you joining as a Senior Associate at 6+ years’ PQE, with the opportunity to be promoted to Legal Director / Partner over 10 years PQE, or equally (depending on experience) we will consider Legal Directors or Partners for this role.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious property lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation and can offer good career prospects.
The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits.
Equal opportunities
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
- Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
- Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
- Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
- Paid CSR Day
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Subsidised gym membership
- Electric car scheme
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
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Senior Associate / Legal Director employer: Birketts LLP
Contact Detail:
Birketts LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the legal community, especially in employment law. Attend relevant events and seminars where you can meet professionals from Birketts LLP and other firms. Building relationships can give you insights into the firm’s culture and values, which is crucial for your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Birketts' recent cases and publications in employment law. This knowledge will not only help you understand their approach but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your business development skills by identifying potential clients or sectors that could benefit from Birketts' services. Prepare a brief proposal on how you would approach these opportunities, showcasing your proactive mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your understanding of the local market in Suffolk/East Anglia. Research key industries and organisations in the area, and be ready to discuss how your expertise can cater to their specific employment law needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employment law, particularly in areas mentioned in the job description such as drafting service agreements and advising on boardroom disputes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Birketts' values and their Next Level Law proposition. Explain how your skills and experiences align with their needs and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their growth.
Showcase Business Development Skills: Since the role involves business development activities, include any relevant experience you have in networking, pitching, or writing articles. Highlight your interest in growing the practice and how you can contribute to this aspect.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal field. Consider asking a colleague to review your application for feedback.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Birketts LLP and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their Next Level Law proposition and how they support their employees' growth. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Senior Associate / Legal Director, you'll need to highlight your experience in employment law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've worked on, particularly those involving complex issues like discrimination or redundancy. This will showcase your technical knowledge and practical approach.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
Birketts is looking for someone who can contribute to business development. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged in networking, drafted sector-relevant articles, or supported tenders in your previous roles. This will show your commitment to helping the firm grow.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the team, the firm's future plans, or their approach to client relationships. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if Birketts is the right place for you.
