At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage agricultural disputes and draft key litigation documents with expert supervision.
- Company: Join Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in rural law while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: 0-3 years' experience in a legal firm and a passion for agriculture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 agriculture team sits within the wider Private Client Division. This role will sit in the Litigation sub-team. The team is one of the best qualified and largest agricultural teams in the UK market, providing a comprehensive range of legal services to farmers, landed estates, landowners, developers and agri-business specialists.
The team advises clients on a wide range of agricultural and rural disputes, including:
- Farming partnership and succession issues (including proprietary estoppel)
- Landlord and tenant and agricultural tenancy disputes (AHA and ATA)
- Rights of way and other property disputes
- Restrictive covenant and boundary issues
- Contract claims and judicial review challenges
We support clients from early case assessment and strategic negotiation through to mediation, arbitration and court proceedings.
You will be responsible for:
- Managing a varied caseload of agricultural and rural disputes, with appropriate supervision, from initial instructions through to resolution.
- Drafting statements of case and other key litigation documents (including witness statements and applications) and undertaking disclosure exercises.
- Advising on a broad range of rural disputes, including farming partnership and succession disputes (including proprietary estoppel), AHA/ATA tenancy issues, rights of way and other property disputes, boundary and restrictive covenant issues, contract claims and public law/judicial review challenges.
- Participating in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, and assisting with preparation for hearings and trials.
- Working closely with the wider Agriculture and Estates team.
- Participating in marketing and networking initiatives.
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:
- Completion of a recognised training contract or equivalent qualifying experience.
- 0-3 years' experience gained working in a reputable legal firm.
- Demonstrable interest and foundational knowledge in Agriculture and Estates.
- Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
- Professional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client service.
- To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation.
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of office and working from home days each week. 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.
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. 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.
If you require this advert in an accessible format, please visit https://diversityjobsgroup.com/company/birketts/
At Birketts, we recognise the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession and recruitment. We welcome innovation and understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their job applications. However, we expect all applicants to use AI responsibly and ethically.
Our expectations regarding AI use in applications:
- Your application should reflect your own voice, experiences, and insights. AI may assist in structuring or refining your responses, but it must not replace your personal input.
- Do not use AI to misrepresent your qualifications, experiences, or skills. Any form of exaggeration or fabrication may result in rejection from the process.
- If you have used AI tools to assist with your application, be prepared to discuss how and why you used them during the interview process.
- Do not submit content generated by AI tools that may include personal or sensitive data not intended for public disclosure.
- AI-generated content should be reviewed and edited by you to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the role and our firm’s values.
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. The use of AI should enhance, not compromise, your application. We encourage candidates to demonstrate critical thinking, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in our firm.
If you have any questions about our expectations or the use of AI in your application, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team via talent@birketts.co.uk
Solicitor - Agriculture (Litigation) in Bristol employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where you can thrive as a Solicitor in Agriculture Litigation. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and profit-sharing schemes, Birketts fosters a culture of inclusivity and ambition, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Agriculture (Litigation) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the agriculture and legal sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for informational chats. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for agriculture law! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your interest and any relevant experiences. Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects, let them know you’re genuinely invested in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to agricultural litigation. Think about how you would handle various disputes and be ready to discuss your thought process. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also proactive and ready to tackle challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Birketts and are keen to be part of our amazing team. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Agriculture (Litigation) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agriculture:When writing your application, let us see your genuine interest in agriculture and estates. Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have that connects you to the field, as this will help us understand why you're a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Documents:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in litigation and any specific agricultural disputes you've dealt with. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do at Birketts!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Agriculture Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agricultural law and the specific disputes mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with terms like proprietary estoppel, AHA/ATA tenancy issues, and rights of way. This will show that you have a genuine interest in the field and are ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential case scenarios you might encounter in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would approach managing a varied caseload or resolving a specific dispute. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since the role requires high-quality documentation, prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your attention to detail. Whether it’s drafting statements of case or conducting disclosure exercises, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and professionalism in your work.
✨Engage with the Team Culture
Birketts values inclusivity and teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture. Share your thoughts on collaboration and how you’ve worked effectively in teams before. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a good fit for their environment.
