At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic Commercial Property team and handle diverse property transactions.
- Company: Top-ranked law firm with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Work with high-profile clients and enjoy a vibrant team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in commercial property while developing your skills and mentoring others.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in commercial property and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for a solicitor or associate (2 - 4 years PQE) to join our busy St Albans Commercial Property team. We are looking for someone with a strong technical background, who has an interest in developing junior members of the team and business development.
About The Team
Ranked Band 1 in Chambers and Tier 1 in Legal 500, we work in true partnership with our clients combining personality with professionalism and a passion for what we do. We work with a wide range of clients throughout the UK, including developers, property investors, major corporations, public bodies, schools, owner occupiers, retailers, landlords, tenants and entrepreneurs.
The Work
- Landlord and tenant work
- Property development work
- Sales and purchases of owner occupied and investment property
- Secured lending
The Clients
Our lawyers continue to work on notable property transactions not just in Hertfordshire, but across the UK. The quality of our clients and the nature of their property transactions mean we often have national and or multi-national firms on the other side, such as Dentons, Eversheds Sutherland, Gowling, Womble Bond Dickinson and Osborne Clarke. We mainly help corporates, owner managed/family businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs employees in a range of sectors including education and healthcare in Hertfordshire and London.
We also continue to advise a range of local and national clients including:
- Large Corporates: Long standing clients include Fujitsu and McNicholas Construction, Extrastaff and Berry Recruitment.
- Ecclesiastical: Providing specialist advice on diocese related property and trust matters. We are the sole retained property lawyers for the Diocese of St Albans which owns property investments worth £80million.
- Charities: Acting for local and national charities, including Crohn’s & Colitis UK, International Society for Krishna Consciousness and The Church Lands Trust.
- Local Council: Advising several local parish councils.
- Secured Lending: Working for banks on the financing of commercial buildings in Hertfordshire and London.
- Hospitality: Advising pubs, restaurants and hotels, including the McGowan Group, Sopwell House and St Michael’s Manor.
The Candidate
A minimum of 2 years PQE with a good level of commercial property knowledge across different sectors. A genuine enthusiasm to focus on commercial property work. Creative problem‑solving ability, commercial insight working as an extension of the client’s business to provide commercial, practical advice with their business needs and objectives in mind. A client‑centred focus, taking responsibility for service levels and proactively maximising and improving client relationships. Some people management experience would be desirable. A can‑do, motivated and positive attitude. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Solicitor or Associate (2 – 4 years PQE) – Commercial Property Team employer: Debenhams Ottaway
Join our esteemed St Albans Commercial Property team, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and professional growth. As a leading firm recognised in both Chambers and Legal 500, we offer exceptional opportunities for career advancement, mentorship, and involvement in high-profile property transactions across the UK. Our supportive culture encourages innovation and client-focused solutions, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor or Associate (2 – 4 years PQE) – Commercial Property Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the commercial property sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience in commercial property. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and client-focused approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms you’re interested in, even if they’re not advertising a position. Express your enthusiasm for their work and how you can contribute to their team. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s see what you can bring to our Commercial Property Team!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor or Associate (2 – 4 years PQE) – Commercial Property Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Commercial Property:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for commercial property shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the work we do and how you can contribute to our team.
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your technical background in commercial property. We’re looking for someone with solid experience, so don’t hold back on detailing your relevant skills and past experiences.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, mention any experience you have in developing junior members or working as part of a team. We love candidates who can bring a positive attitude and help us grow together.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our St Albans team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Ottaway
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial property knowledge. Familiarise yourself with recent trends and notable transactions in the sector, especially those involving high-profile clients. This will show that you're not just technically sound but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since the role involves developing junior members of the team, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring or leading others. Share specific examples of how you've supported colleagues in their professional growth, as this will highlight your leadership potential.
✨Demonstrate Client-Centric Thinking
Think about how you can align your approach with the needs of clients. Prepare to discuss how you've previously provided practical advice that meets business objectives. This will illustrate your ability to act as an extension of the client's business, which is crucial for this role.
✨Bring Your A-Game to Business Development
Be ready to talk about your ideas for business development. Whether it's networking strategies or ways to enhance client relationships, showing that you have a proactive mindset will resonate well with the interviewers. They want someone who can contribute to the team's growth.
