At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling diverse commercial property cases and develop junior talent.
- Company: Top-ranked law firm with a collaborative and client-focused culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work with high-profile clients.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities to work with major corporations and charities across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in commercial property while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- 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.
Commercial Property Solicitor (2-4 PQE) – St Albans employer: Debenhams Ottaway
Join a leading Commercial Property team in St Albans, where we pride ourselves on our collaborative work culture and commitment to employee development. With a strong focus on professional growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior members while working on high-profile transactions for prestigious clients across the UK. Our supportive environment fosters innovation and creativity, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in commercial property law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Property Solicitor (2-4 PQE) – St Albans
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and meet people! Attend industry events, join local legal groups, and connect with fellow solicitors. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences in commercial property, especially any standout cases or projects. Let them see your passion and expertise in action.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a simple way to keep yourself on their radar and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of landing that dream role in our top-tier team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Property Solicitor (2-4 PQE) – St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for 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.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for, especially your technical background and any people management experience.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
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 the role in a timely manner.
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 key cases in the sector, especially those relevant to the clients mentioned in the job description. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since they’re looking for someone who can develop junior members, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you plan to contribute to the team's growth.
✨Client-Centric Mindset
Prepare to demonstrate your client-focused approach. Think of instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for a client or provided practical solutions that aligned with their business needs. This will highlight your ability to build strong relationships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your creative problem-solving skills. Prepare scenarios where you faced challenges in property transactions and how you navigated them. This will showcase your commercial insight and ability to think on your feet.
