Partner / Legal Director - Residential Real Estate in Bristol

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 and over 600 staff 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.

The Residential Real Estate team at Birketts is one of the largest and most diverse practices in the UK, recognised at the highest level of its profession. The team works collaboratively across the Birketts’ offices adopting a “one team” approach, with client service at the heart of the practice. We have 65+ team members across six offices, with Bristol being the most recent addition. Despite being such a large team, we have a unified vision and shared culture which allows our team members to thrive and achieve their goals.

We have a vacancy for a forward-thinking Team Leader to join the practice with a focus on rapid expansion within the local residential real estate market.

The work you will be doing:

• Establishing and managing a new team with a focus on technical excellence, outstanding client service and business development.
• Contributing to the core management group within the Residential Real Estate team across all offices responsible for team strategy and employee experience.
• Being an active contributor to the success of the office including establishing internal connections and being an ambassador of the Birketts’ culture.

Responsibilities will include:

• Actively developing the business through existing and new connections.
• Establishing and growing the geographical team to become self-sustaining.
• Exploring new work types and opportunities for diversification.
• Providing a vital interface between the team members and the management of the overall team.
• Managing day-to-day operations including recruitment, performance management, and motivating the team.
• Instilling the Birketts’ culture and brand values throughout the team.
• Handling client feedback and complaints effectively.
• Involvement in strategic management and taking on projects for the whole team.
• Acting for a range of clients on diverse residential property matters.
• Working alongside and developing relationships with high-end property finders, estate agents and brokers.
• Overseeing the training of junior team members.

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.

What we are looking for:

• A candidate with a following and marketplace presence to help grow the practice.
• Solicitor with at least eight years' PQE gained at a strong regional or City firm.
• Recognised technical expert providing clear, tailored advice on complex legal and commercial issues.
• Experience in business development, building a strong market presence, winning new clients, and driving cross-selling opportunities.
• Exceptional project and client management skills, consistently meeting expectations.
• Strong risk management skills, supporting junior staff and maintaining high compliance standards.
• Proven ability to meet the demands of high value conveyancing.
• Competence in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, Outlook, digital dictation, and embracing new technologies.

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles.

As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:

• Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service.
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed).
• 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.
• Dress for your Day Policy.

Inclusivity and Culture:

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. Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, promoting equality of opportunity for all.