At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in advising on utilities and infrastructure property matters.
- Company: Join Birketts, a top UK law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a nationally recognised team with excellent career prospects.
- Qualifications: 6+ years PQE in property law with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Main information
- PQE Required: 6 years +
- Term Type: Permanent
- Fulltime: True
- Job Hours: 35 hours Mon - Fri
- Reports To: Partner
- External Department: Commercial Real Estate - Utilities
- Location: Ipswich
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 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. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The team you will join
We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within the country, numbering over 100 specialists. Within this, the utilities sub team is a growing and dynamic part of the practice, advising on complex infrastructure, energy and utilities related property matters and volume conveyancing for the networks including electricity gas fibre water heat and EV Charge point operators.
We act for a wide range of clients including statutory undertakers, energy providers, water companies, and landowners. Our work spans acquisitions and disposals, easements and wayleaves, infrastructure agreements, and strategic land projects.
The team currently comprises 19 at varying levels of qualification making us one of the largest Utilities teams in England. We act for 11 of the 22 registered IDNO’s in the country. We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and timeliness of advice.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nationally recognised team with a strong pipeline of work and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.
What we are looking for
We are seeking a solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE and a strong background in residential or commercial property, ideally with experience or a demonstrable interest in the utilities, infrastructure, or energy sectors. You will be commercially astute, technically excellent, and confident in managing complex transactions and an enthusiastic team. Experience supervising junior lawyers and team leadership is essential at this level.
You will also be expected to:
- Play a key role in the growth and development of the Utilities team
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Contribute to thought leadership and sector-focused marketing initiatives
Birketts has designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. Promotion is based on assessment of your performance, competency and achievements. Our Talent Management Framework will see you joining as a Senior Associate at 6+ years’ PQE, with the opportunity to be promoted to Legal Director / Partner over 10 years PQE, or equally (depending on experience) we will consider Legal Directors or Partners for this role.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious property lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation and can offer good career prospects.
The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits.
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. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- 30 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
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. 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.
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 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.
Accountabilities
The ideal candidate will have experience in:
- Leading a busy diverse team at varying levels of experience and ability.
- Advising on land rights for utilities infrastructure, including leases, easements, wayleaves, and licences
- Acting on acquisitions and disposals
- Supporting Commercial Real Estate Teams on land assembly for major infrastructure projects
- Drafting and negotiating infrastructure agreements and development-related documents and network agreements
- Leading client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives in the sector
- Working with the Energy and Infrastructure Sector group
Locations
Senior Associate / Legal Director in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Birketts
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With a focus on high-net-worth clients in the picturesque city of Cambridge, our Senior Private Client Lawyers benefit from a hybrid working environment, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional development within a prestigious law firm recognised for its expertise in private client matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Legal Director in Ipswich, Suffolk
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Legal Director in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Birketts, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Birketts and the specific role of Senior Associate / Legal Director. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Birketts’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Birketts.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Birketts.
