Commercial Property Solicitor in Chelmsford, Essex

Job Description

Commercial Property Solicitor

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Department: Commercial Property

Reports To: Head of Commercial Property / Partner

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Commercial Property Solicitor to join our growing team in Chelmsford. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of commercial property matters, providing practical, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base including developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders, and business owners. The role offers excellent opportunities for career progression, client development, and involvement in high-value transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a broad caseload of commercial property transactions from instruction to completion.
• Advise clients on:
• Commercial acquisitions and disposals.
• Freehold and leasehold transactions.
• Landlord and tenant matters.
• Property investment and portfolio management.
• Development and regeneration projects.
• Property finance and secured lending.
• Draft, review, and negotiate:
• Commercial leases.
• Agreements for lease.
• Licences to assign, alter, or underlet.
• Sale and purchase agreements.
• Development agreements and ancillary documentation.
• Conduct title investigations, due diligence, and risk assessments.
• Liaise with clients, agents, lenders, surveyors, local authorities, and other professional advisers.
• Provide clear, commercially focused legal advice and practical solutions.
• Maintain excellent client relationships and identify opportunities for cross-selling legal services.
• Support business development initiatives, networking events, and marketing activities.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, trainees, or support staff where appropriate.

Candidate RequirementsEssential

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Minimum 3 years' PQE in Commercial Property (flexible depending on experience).
• Proven experience handling commercial property matters independently.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK commercial property law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and a varied caseload.
• Strong client care and relationship management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience acting for developers, investors, lenders, and corporate occupiers.
• Existing client following or business development experience.
• Experience supervising junior team members.
• Knowledge of agricultural, development, or secured lending work.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and proactive approach.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Team player with the ability to work autonomously.
• Client-focused and commercially driven.
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
• Confident communicator and relationship builder.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working opportunities.
• Pension scheme.
• Private healthcare (subject to firm policy).
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Clear career progression pathway.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of annual billing and fee income targets.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Matter turnaround times and efficiency.
• Business development contributions.
• Compliance with regulatory and risk management procedures.
• Contribution to team growth and mentoring initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

A commercially astute solicitor who can confidently manage complex property transactions, build strong client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of a leading Chelmsford-based commercial property practice