At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Property Disputes Team and tackle high-profile legal challenges.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your career.
- Qualifications: NQ - 3 years PQE with a passion for property disputes.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026. 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 45% of our partnership.
The team you will join
Our Property Disputes Team sits within our wider Dispute Resolution Division and acts for a wide range of clients including corporate clients, partnerships, trusts, registered social landlords and individual clients in both the public and private sectors.
The work you will be doing
We are seeking a Solicitor / Associate (NQ - 3 years PQE) to join our growing Property Disputes team in our Sevenoaks Office. The strength and depth of our team means you will gain exposure to high-value, high-profile, strategic regional and national matters, with excellent opportunities for career development.
- Advise and support a wide array of high-profile commercial clients including national and regional commercial property owners, landlords and tenants, investors, developers, promotors, education providers, charities and other stakeholders.
- Commercial landlord and tenant matters such as lease renewals and termination, disrepair and dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and breach of lease covenants including consent issues and service charge disputes.
- Assist with property disputes in the energy and renewables and real estate development sectors including title and ownership issues, securing appropriate land rights for projects and developments, interpretation and enforcement of agreements for lease or purchase, options and overage, land rights (including easements and restrictive covenants) and trespass and nuisance claims.
- Play an important role in networking and business development.
What we are looking for
We have designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people.
- Completion of a recognised training contract or equivalent qualifying experience.
- Demonstrable interest and foundational knowledge in chosen practice area.
- 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. 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.
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. 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.
Intelligence (AI)
At Birketts, we recognise the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession and recruitment. Do not submit content generated by AI tools that may include personal or sensitive data not intended for public disclosure. AI-generated content should be reviewed and edited by you to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the role and our firm's values. We encourage candidates to demonstrate critical thinking, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in our firm. If you have any questions about our expectations or the use of AI in your application, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team via talent@birketts.
Locations
Dispute Resolution Solicitor/Lawyer in Kent, Sevenoaks employer: Birketts
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across its offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Bristol, and Sevenoaks. With a strong commitment to employee development, a flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that prioritises inclusivity and community impact, we empower our team members to thrive while contributing to meaningful legal solutions. Our comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and performance bonuses, further enhances the rewarding experience of being part of our esteemed law firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dispute Resolution Solicitor/Lawyer in Kent, Sevenoaks
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Dispute Resolution Solicitor/Lawyer in Kent, Sevenoaks
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 Dispute Resolution Solicitor/Lawyer. 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.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
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.
