At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Residential Development team and drive growth in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive package, wellbeing support, and a focus on professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive culture committed to community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in residential development while mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in residential development law and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About us
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. We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.
The team you will join
The Residential Development Team at Birketts is expanding. The team includes 5 partners and 40 other fee earners at all levels working collaboratively together across six of Birketts’ seven offices specialising in the acquisition, sale and development of land for an array of national and SME Residential Developers and Registered Providers. The Sevenoaks team plays a key strategic role within the wider Residential Development practice as a focal point for growth in the South East. The team works closely with colleagues across planning, tax, construction, environmental and real estate litigation to deliver joined-up, commercially focused advice on major development schemes. The Residential Development Team sits within Birketts’ highly regarded and one of the UK’s largest dedicated Real Estate teams. Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters.
The work you will be doing
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of experts that play a key role in the delivery of residential development projects. You will be responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership for the Sevenoaks Residential Development team, aligned with the wider division, firm and sector strategy.
- Driving the growth and profile of the Sevenoaks practice, including identifying and developing new workstreams, clients and markets.
- Building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key developer, landowner and investor clients.
- Playing a visible role in business development, including thought leadership, sector initiatives, networking and participation in key industry events.
- Working collaboratively with partners and teams across Birketts to deliver integrated advice on complex residential development projects.
- Acting as a senior ambassador for Birketts in the residential development market, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for technical excellence and commercial insight.
- Developing, leading and mentoring a team of junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
While the role includes maintaining a personal practice, the emphasis is on leadership, client strategy and team growth, rather than solely fee-earning delivery. 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
We are seeking a Partner with:
- Significant post-qualification experience gained within a well-regarded city, regional or national firm.
- Deep technical expertise across all key aspects of residential development law.
- A strong commercial mindset, with the ability to provide pragmatic, strategic advice to sophisticated development clients.
- Proven experience of leading and growing teams, including mentoring senior lawyers and developing future leaders.
- A demonstrable track record in business development, client relationship management and market engagement.
- The credibility and confidence to operate as a senior leader within Birketts’ Residential Development practice and the wider firm.
- An existing client following or strong market network is desirable, together with the ambition and drive to grow the Sevenoaks Residential Development team as a core part of Birketts’ long-term strategy.
Benefits
As a Partner at Birketts, you will benefit from a comprehensive and competitive package designed to support your wellbeing, recognise your contribution, and provide peace of mind both professionally and personally.
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.
Partner employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts LLP is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where you can lead and shape a new Residential Real Estate team. With a strong emphasis on client service and business development, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, private healthcare, and a robust pension scheme, all fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant groups, and connect with people in the residential development sector. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Partner role at Birketts.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Share your insights on social media or write articles about trends in residential development law. This not only builds your personal brand but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you know someone at Birketts or in the industry, drop them a message. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re looking for in a Partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! Applying directly through Birketts’ site shows your genuine interest and gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining Birketts and how you can contribute to our Next Level Law proposition.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in residential development law and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Sevenoaks Residential Development team. Be personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of residential development law and Birketts' Next Level Law proposition. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or trends in the sector, as well as the firm's key clients and projects. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the firm's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, highlighting your approach to fostering collaboration and supporting junior lawyers. This will help convey your fit for the leadership aspect of the role.
✨Be Business Savvy
Birketts is looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset. Think about how you've driven business development in previous roles and be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to grow client relationships and market presence. This will illustrate your capability to contribute to the firm's growth.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Familiarise yourself with Birketts' commitment to inclusivity and community impact. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture. Showing that you understand and appreciate their ethos will set you apart as a candidate who truly fits within the firm.
