Solicitor/Associate - Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Norwich, Sevenoaks

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.

Our leasehold enfranchisement practice sits within our Residential Real Estate team and comprises fee-earners from both the Residential Real Estate team and the Real Estate Disputes team. The Residential Real Estate team comprises 70+ members operating out of 6 of our 7 offices. Our leasehold enfranchisement practice operates on a national basis regardless of the location of the practice members. We have a vacancy within the leasehold enfranchisement practice for a Solicitor or Legal Executive who can work across both enfranchisement and leasehold residential real estate matters.

The leasehold enfranchisement practice is currently made up of two Partners, five fee earners and one assistant, working alongside a secretarial pool. Together the team advise on all aspects of leasehold enfranchisement, both non-contentious and contentious. Beyond the core practice, there are supporting, specialist fee-earners in our corporate and tax teams, which ensure our clients receive a seamless end-to-end enfranchisement service.

You will work within the specialist area of enfranchisement and provide a supporting role to the residential property team on more complex transactional areas such as the disposal of blocks of flats outside the right of first refusal, reviewing the grant of new leases, assisting in the sale or purchase of property with the benefit of a range of enfranchisement claims and to actively grow the enfranchisement sector.

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting and negotiating on relevant legal documents and correspondence tailored to the clients' individual needs and requirements.
• Providing support to the Partner(s) responsible for leasehold enfranchisement practice.
• Reviewing and advising on existing leases and the grant of new leases as part of the Residential Real Estate Teams financing practice.
• Drafting, advising on and implementing participation agreements and deeds of adherence for collective enfranchisement and 1987 Act acquisitions.
• Direct communication with clients, advisers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively on a cross-office and cross-team basis.
• Supporting an active caseload with the aim of providing efficient and effective advice.
• 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.

Birketts has 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 03 years PQE. As an Associate, we typically expect you to have between 3-6 years PQE. Completion of a recognised training contract or equivalent qualifying experience is required.

Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard. Manages time recording and billing effectively, prices work profitably, supports credit control, meets financial targets. Manages matters and client relationships to a high standard, maintaining regular contact, meeting expectations, and demonstrating deep understanding of clients' businesses and strategic objectives. Builds credibility and trust through strong relationships, continuous professional development, and championing positive change. Proactively manages risk and compliance tasks, follows best practice, maintains practical Lexcel knowledge, and seeks feedback to drive continuous improvement. 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. Some experience of leasehold enfranchisement with a proven ability to meet the demands of all areas of enfranchisement matters, including the cross-over between enfranchisement and residential real estate. Experience in the continuous aspects of enfranchisement is also welcomed.

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. During your 6 month probation period, there will be a requirement to be in the office full time whilst you are developing in the role. Once you have successfully passed probation, this role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per 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: 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.

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.

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