At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate contracts, provide tailored legal advice, and support an active caseload.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, private healthcare, flexible working, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and a commitment to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a leading agriculture team and make a real impact in the legal field.
- Qualifications: 0-3 years experience in a legal firm and a passion for Agriculture and Estates.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 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.
The work you will be doing
- 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
Hybrid Working
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.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
- Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
- 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.
Solicitor employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collegiate work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to diversity and community impact, our Bristol-based agriculture team provides a unique opportunity for solicitors to engage in meaningful work while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and generous holiday allowances.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those in agriculture and estates. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for agriculture law! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your interest and any relevant experience. Share your thoughts on current trends in the sector to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the role of a solicitor in agriculture. Think about how you can showcase your attention to detail and client service skills. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can really help you nail it!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining Birketts and being part of our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solicitor role at Birketts. Highlight your relevant experience in agriculture and estates, and show us how your skills align with our Next Level Law approach.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:As a solicitor, attention to detail is key! Ensure your application is free from typos and errors. We want to see that you can produce high-quality documentation right from the start.
Demonstrate Your Passion:Let us know why you're interested in working with Birketts and the agriculture team specifically. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your enthusiasm for the field.
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 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 Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agriculture and estates law. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the sector and be ready to discuss how they might impact clients. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your attention to detail and client service skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully drafted documents or communicated effectively with clients. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with the Team
Research Birketts' agriculture team and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Mention any relevant networking or marketing initiatives you've been involved in, as this aligns with the firm's proactive approach to client relationships.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the firm’s culture, the agriculture team’s goals, or their approach to hybrid working. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
