In-House Solicitor/Legal Executive in Ilminster

Job Title: In-House Legal Services: Solicitor/Legal Executive
Area of Expertise: Property / Secured Lending / Banking
Position: Full-Time (Flexible Working Available)
Location: Ilminster, Somerset (Hybrid Working Available & Encouraged)
Salary: Competitive, with benefits and a strong focus on work/life balance

About Us:

Founded in 2011, Charterbank Capital is a privately owned, South West-based principal lender of bridging loans and development finance. We operate across England and Wales and have built a strong reputation for delivering fast, dependable short-term property finance. Our loans are secured against all asset classes, including land (of all types), agricultural, residential, commercial, investment, and mixed-use properties. Loan facilities typically range from £30,000 to £500,000 for terms of 3–12 months.

The Role:

We are offering a rare opportunity for a qualified solicitor or legal executive to join our small but busy team, undertaking in-house legal work. The role will involve carrying out the required legal work for all secured lending transactions from inception through to drawdown.

This position is designed with flexibility in mind. It is full-time but hybrid working is encouraged, with an expectation of 2–3 days based in our Ilminster office and the remainder working remotely. A ‘demands of the business’ led role, guided by business needs, allowing for downtime during quieter periods, provided you remain available on short notice with close monitoring of communications. There is no expectation to maintain a traditional 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, five-day-a-week office / ’at your desk’ presence.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with borrowers and their appointed lawyers (day-to-day liaison with borrowers and brokers will be handled by other team members);
• Conducting property due diligence for bridging loans across all asset classes, and primarily residential development for development finance;
• Advising on legal risks related to secured lending, including title issues, priority of charges, and enforceability of security;
• Preparing and issuing security documents for both first and second charge lending, including third-party security and directors\' guarantees;
• Registering legal charges;
• Coordinating with all parties during the redemption process;
• Actively participating in recovery efforts for loans in default and outstanding amounts;
• Private treaty sales and auction disposals of secured property following borrower default, in collaboration with LPA receivers (where appointed).

This is a newly created position as we move legal operations in-house. The successful candidate will be instrumental in setting up and implementing new internal legal processes and systems.

The Candidate:

We are looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working across a broad range of property / security types;
• Thrives under deadlines and within fast-moving, time-sensitive transactions (note: matters can complete in under 7 days from offer to drawdown);
• Communicates clearly and consistently, both internally and externally - transparency is key;
• Is a strong problem-solver, with a commercial mindset and an ability to manage risk while keeping the broader business context in mind;
• Possesses excellent communication and IT skills;
• Is self-motivated, proactive, and eager to contribute within a small team (working closely with directors and colleagues).
• Is comfortable managing their own caseload when necessary; however, full administrative support shall be provided.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience as a UK-qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx), handling matters independently;
• Solid experience in property and secured lending is essential;
• Broader or specialised knowledge is advantageous but not required—support from external law firms (of your choosing or ours) will be available where needed;

There will be the opportunity to engage in ongoing development through industry-based training, particularly during quieter periods.

Applications from those interested in job-sharing arrangements may be considered.

Remuneration:

• Competitive salary
• Negotiable benefits package
• Practising certificate fees covered (if applicable)

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and covering letter to: tb@charterbank.co.uk

Devon & Somerset Law Society encourages candidates to apply to firms directly for advertised vacancies.

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