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- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and provide high-quality legal support in planning and environmental law.
- Company: Birketts LLP is a top 50 UK law firm with over 160 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, hybrid working, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team recognised for excellence and make a positive community impact.
- Qualifications: Minimum 10 years PQE with experience in planning and environmental law preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns are welcomed; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Associate / Legal Director role at Birketts LLP.
Birketts is a full-service, UK Top 50 law firm with more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based across 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 department
The Residential Development Team at Birketts includes 5 partners and 40 other fee earners at all levels working collaboratively across six of Birketts’ seven offices. The team also works closely with other Birketts’ teams, which includes full support from tax, planning, environmental, construction and Real Estate litigation teams, and will include close liaison with our specialist contentious Social Housing management team. Working with that team enables great access to a significant number of Registered Providers for whom the firm acts.
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. This role will have a particular focus on the Social Housing sector.
Our lawyers come from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, other major national and regional firms, industry and local government and include individuals with construction, planning and commercial expertise. The depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions on cost-effective terms, providing our clients with true value for money.
Accountabilities
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that plays a key role in the delivery of residential development projects, with a particular focus on the social housing sector. You will be involved in transactions that support affordable housing and community development, working closely with housing associations, developers, and local authorities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to RP clients.
You will be responsible for:
- Ensuring client needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency
- Maintaining and growing client relationships and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the team and the firm.
- Providing support and training to junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Participating in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
- Acquisitions of housing development sites for RPs through a variety of contract structures for RPs, including land‑led and strategic land schemes
- Acquisitions of \”s.106 sites\” for RPs from private housebuilders, including drafting and negotiation of development agreements (turnkey and golden brick)
- Experienced in checking s106 affordable housing provisions to ensure compliance with grant funding requirements
- Dealing with golden brick completions and handover arrangements
- Negotiating Nomination Agreements on behalf of Registered Providers
- Site‑set‑up work for Registered Providers and liaison to the plot sales sub‑team within the Residential Development Team on shared ownership completions
- Drafting and negotiating Infrastructure Agreements and all aspects of estate infrastructure transfers and easements for Registered Providers
- Drafting and negotiating Management Agreements and Service Level Agreements on behalf of Registered Providers
The candidate
- A minimum of 6 years PQE in a professional legal environment
- Well‑developed knowledge in all areas of residential development law with a bias towards the social housing sector.
- Contribute to thought leadership and social housing sector‑focused marketing initiatives
- Ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development
- Established client base or network within the Social Housing sector (preferred but not essential)
- Experience building credibility and trust through effective relationships
- To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation
- Business development acumen with experience in growing a client base and identifying new business opportunities.
Birketts has designed a \’Talent Management Framework\’ which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As a Senior Associate, we typically expect candidates to have a minimum of 6 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.
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. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core 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
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Seniority level
Mid‑senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Legal
Industries
Law Practice
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Senior Associate / Legal Director employer: Birketts LLP
Contact Detail:
Birketts LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in planning and environmental law. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors from Birketts LLP.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Birketts' recent cases and projects, particularly in the Planning and Environmental Team. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and understanding of their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your management experience by discussing specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in your previous roles. Birketts values leadership skills, so be prepared to highlight these.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with Birketts on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Comment on their posts or share relevant content to increase your visibility and show your enthusiasm for the firm and its values.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in Planning, Environmental, and Compulsory Purchase law. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Birketts LLP's values and culture. Emphasise your ambition, commitment to community impact, and how you can contribute to their Next Level Law proposition.
Showcase Your Management Experience: Since the role requires management skills, include details about your experience in leading teams, managing caseloads, and developing client relationships. Highlight any business development activities you've been involved in.
Demonstrate Willingness to Learn: If you have limited experience in certain areas mentioned in the job description, express your eagerness to learn and adapt. This shows your proactive attitude and willingness to grow within the firm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Research Birketts LLP
Before your interview, take the time to understand Birketts' history, values, and their Next Level Law proposition. Familiarise yourself with their practice areas, especially in Planning and Environmental law, as this will show your genuine interest in the firm and its operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
As a Senior Associate / Legal Director, you should be prepared to discuss your experience in Planning, Environmental, and Compulsory Purchase law. Be ready to provide specific examples of cases you've managed and how your expertise can contribute to the team at Birketts.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Highlight your management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring junior lawyers and how you plan to grow and supervise a team within Birketts' Planning and Environmental Team.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Since the role involves marketing and business development, be prepared to discuss your strategies for expanding client relationships and attracting new business. Share any successful initiatives you've led in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to contribute to Birketts' growth.
