Partner in Norwich

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: 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 has 70+ members operating out of 6 of our 7 offices. Our leasehold enfranchisement practice operates on a national basis regardless of the location of its practice members.

We are seeking a Partner who can work across both enfranchisement and technical 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.

The work you will be doing: You will be responsible for growing an existing team with a focus on technical excellence, outstanding client service and business development. You will be an active contributor to the core management group within the Residential Real Estate team across all offices which is responsible for team strategy and the employee experience.

• Actively developing the business through existing and new connections.
• Acting for a range of clients from high end individuals to social landlords on all aspects of leasehold enfranchisement including 1993 Act, 1987 Act and 1967 Act matters.
• Keeping informed regarding legislative changes, including commonhold proposals, and to provide training and thought leadership across all enfranchisement work types.
• Working alongside and develop relationships with high end property finders, estate agents and brokers.
• Overseeing and being responsible for the training of all practice members.
• Developing and implementing the enfranchisement precedent bank including ensuring that best practice and risk management are adopted throughout the work type precedents.
• Exploring new work types and opportunities for diversification such as right to manage, management licences and relationships with managing agents.
• Providing a vital interface between the practice members and the management of the overall enfranchisement practice.
• Being responsible for day to day management of practice members at all levels including recruitment, performance management, managing staff absences and holidays, technical matters that arise on a daily basis, overall team financial and compliance management and motivating the team to perform to the highest standards.
• Instilling the Birketts’ culture, brand signatures and values throughout the practice.
• Being the point of escalation for client feedback including complaints handling.
• Being involved in the strategic management of the wider Residential Real Estate practice.
• Delivering training internally as well as externally.
• Providing strategic advice to clients and team members on structuring freehold transfers, the grant of leases, lease extension projects and other matters to avoid the application of the 1987 and to identify where a project may not be tax efficient.
• Setting up volume lease extension projects and thereafter supervising the implementation of such projects.
• Drafting, advising on and implementing participation agreements and deeds of adherence for collective enfranchisement and 1987 Act acquisitions.
• Reviewing and advising on existing leases and the grant of new leases as part of the Residential Real Estate team’s financing practice.
• Acting on the statutory and voluntary disposal or acquisition of blocks of flats.
• Actively marketing the sector including regular business development meetings with the sector members, writing articles, commenting on upcoming legislation, etc.
• Attending leasehold enfranchisement training and social events e.g. through ALEP.
• Working alongside and developing relationships with enfranchisement valuers.
• Assisting with the development of processes and precedents within the enfranchisement sector.
• Conducting and documenting regular team meetings with sector members to encourage and instil a collaborative cross-office, cross-division and high performing practice.

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: The role requires a candidate with a strong following and marketplace presence to be able to actively and effectively grow the practice. Recognised technical expert who provides clear, tailored advice on complex legal and commercial issues. Drives efficient time recording, profitable pricing, strong cash flow, and team gross profit delivery. Leads business development and high-profile pitches, builds a strong market presence, wins new clients, and drives cross-selling opportunities. Delivers exceptional project and client management, consistently meeting expectations through strong communication and deep client understanding. Builds trust through strong relationships, continual professional development, clear communication of vision, and championing positive change. Demonstrates strong risk management, supports junior staff, upholds Lexcel standards, and maintains high compliance and file review performance. 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.

Benefits: As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits.

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.

If you require this advert in an accessible format, please visit https://diversityjobsgroup.com/company/birketts/

Artificial Intelligence (AI): At Birketts, we recognise the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession and recruitment. We welcome innovation and understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their job applications. However, we expect all applicants to use AI responsibly and ethically. Our expectations regarding AI use in applications: Your application should reflect your own voice, experiences, and insights. AI may assist in structuring or refining your responses, but it must not replace your personal input. Do not use AI to misrepresent your qualifications, experiences, or skills. Any form of exaggeration or fabrication may result in rejection from the process. If you have used AI tools to assist with your application, be prepared to discuss how and why you used them during the interview process. 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 are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. The use of AI should enhance, not compromise, your application. 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.co.uk