At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate contracts while advising clients in the agriculture sector.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, profit share, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a leading agricultural team and make a real impact in rural legal services.
- Qualifications: 0-3 years of legal experience 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 sits within the Transactional 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 and agri‑business specialists. Across Birketts, our award‑winning agriculture and estates team includes almost 50 specialist lawyers across seven offices, and is consistently recognised in the legal directories, giving Bristol‑based lawyers the support of a deep national bench and a genuinely full‑service offering. Based in Bristol, the team comprises a Partner, a Legal Director, two Senior Associates, two Associates and dedicated secretarial support. We are a team of rural specialists with deep sector knowledge. The team advises clients on all aspects of rural real estate - including farm acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, renewable energy projects, natural capital, equestrian, and landed estate property management.
You will be responsible for:
- Drafting and negotiating on relevant contracts, deeds, documents, advice notes, letters and correspondence tailored to the client’s individual needs and requirements
- Direct communication with clients, advisers and other relevant stakeholders
- Supporting an active caseload with the aim of providing efficient and effective advice
- Participating in marketing and networking initiatives
- Working closely with the wider Agriculture and Estates team
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
We have designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As a Solicitor, we typically expect candidates to have between 0–3 years PQE. Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
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
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.
Solicitor - Agriculture (Transactional) in Bristol employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and professional growth. With a strong focus on employee development through our 'Talent Management Framework', we provide numerous benefits including private healthcare, profit-sharing schemes, and a hybrid working model that allows for a balanced work-life integration. Joining our Bristol-based agriculture team means being part of one of the UK's leading legal teams, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic environment dedicated to excellence in client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Agriculture (Transactional) 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 online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for agriculture! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your interest and any relevant experience in the field. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Birketts and their agriculture team. Understand their recent projects and values, so you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture. Plus, it’ll impress them that you’ve done your homework!
✨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 the team at Birketts. So, get clicking and submit that application!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Agriculture (Transactional) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solicitor - Agriculture role. Highlight your relevant experience and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for, especially in agriculture and estates.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for agriculture law! Share any experiences or projects that demonstrate your interest in this field. It’ll help us understand why you’re a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Agriculture Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agricultural law and the specific services Birketts offers. Familiarise yourself with recent trends in the agriculture sector, as well as any relevant legislation. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to engage with the team.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a solicitor, attention to detail is crucial. Bring examples of your previous work where you’ve demonstrated this skill, whether it’s drafting contracts or managing client communications. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards in your documentation.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Birketts values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you work within a team. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or clients, especially in a legal context. Highlight your willingness to support the wider Agriculture and Estates team.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and Birketts' approach to agriculture law. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
