Solicitor/Associate in Norwich

Main informationTerm Type: PermanentFulltime: TrueExternal Department: Property DisputesLocation Text: Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Chelmsford, SevenoaksAbout usBirketts 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. 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 joinOur Property Disputes Team sits within our wider Dispute Resolution Division and acts for a wide range of clients including private individuals, partnerships, trusts, registered social landlords and corporate clients in both the public and private sectors.The work you will be doingDrafting and reviewing tenancy agreements and advising on occupational arrangementsDrafting, reviewing and serving noticesAdvising on possession options and implications of relevant legislation to the private rented sectorPreparing and reviewing pleadings, witness statements, and settlement documents.Preparing instructions to CounselConducting legal research and preparing clear, concise advice notes for clients and senior team membersKeeping up to date with legislative changes in the sectorAttending court hearings, mediations, and negotiations as appropriate.Manage a caseload of residential letting matters, working under supervision of experienced solicitorsAttending appropriate business development opportunitiesWorking to deadlinesMaintaining accurate time-costing proceduresEnsuring compliance with file managementProactively support other members of the team and to provide cover as and when necessary 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 forLaw degree or equivalent experienceDemonstrable interest in and/or knowledge of relevant law and legal procedure relating to residential lettings/private rented sectorAbility to undertake legal work requiring technical and procedural understandingCompetence in accurately recording time and understanding chargeable workStrong legal research and investigative skillsAdvanced written and verbal communication skillsAbility to analyse information and present findings clearly and preciselyStrong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standardProfessional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client serviceTo be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictationHybrid WorkingBirketts 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 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. BenefitsAs 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 servicePrivate 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 InsurancePaid CSR DayEnhanced Maternity/Paternity LeaveSubsidised gym membershipElectric car schemeDress for your Day PolicyYou can find out more on our website: Inclusivity and CultureAt 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