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 in St Albans employer: Debenhams Ottaway
Join our esteemed Commercial Property team in St Albans, where we pride ourselves on a collaborative and supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Band 1 ranked firm, we offer exceptional opportunities for career advancement while working with a diverse range of high-profile clients across the UK. Our commitment to employee well-being and a positive work environment makes us an outstanding employer for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor or Associate (2 – 4 years PQE) – Commercial Property Team in St Albans
✨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 appear. 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 range of opportunities waiting for talented solicitors like you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in being part of our top-tier Commercial Property team!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor or Associate (2 – 4 years PQE) – Commercial Property Team in 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.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your relevant experience, especially in landlord and tenant work or property development. We’re looking for someone with a solid technical background, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Demonstrate Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, mention any experience you have in mentoring or developing junior team members. Show us how you can contribute to our supportive team environment and help others grow.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to customise your application for us. Refer to specific projects or clients you’ve worked with that align with our work. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our 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, key cases, and the specific types of transactions the team handles. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since the role involves developing junior members and maintaining client relationships, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring or managing others. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of a few scenarios where you've had to creatively solve problems in your previous roles. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached these challenges, especially in a commercial context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects, their approach to client relationships, or how they handle complex transactions. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
