At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and deliver exceptional client service in property litigation.
- Company: Join an award-winning, people-focused law firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health benefits, bonuses, and paid time off for volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing team while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 4+ years’ PQE with strong commercial property litigation experience required.
- Other info: Structured training and development opportunities to enhance your career.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Harrison-Drury is a market-leading firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for, for the third year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to work for list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to work for in the Law sector — achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace.
We are seeking a solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE and strong commercial property litigation experience to join our Land and Property Dispute Resolution team in either our Preston or Kendal office. Our culture focuses on delivering exceptional results for our clients while attracting, developing, and retaining brilliant people. Our Land and Property Dispute Resolution team is recognised in the Legal 500 for its technical expertise and high‑quality commercial advice.
We act for businesses and individuals across England on the full spectrum of contentious property matters, including landlord and tenant disputes, real estate litigation, property contract claims, and professional negligence claims involving property professionals. Due to continued growth, we are looking to recruit a solicitor with the drive and ambition to develop their career within the team. The successful candidate will manage their own caseload, support senior fee earners, and play an active role in the development of the team both internally and externally.
The team comprises 3 Partners, 1 Legal Director, 2 Associates, 3 Solicitors, 1 Legal Exec, 3 Solicitor Apprentices and 2 exec admins. Our client base is diverse, ranging from large property developers and investment companies to independent business owners and individuals across both commercial and residential sectors. The work is varied, challenging and engaging, covering a wide range of landlord and tenant matters such as lease renewals, dilapidations, break clauses, forfeiture, real property disputes including restrictive covenants, easements, rights of light, trespass and possession, and contractual and negligence disputes.
Whilst the team is predominantly based in our Preston and Kendal offices, we work collaboratively across our locations, with flexibility to meet client needs and build internal relationships. Junior solicitors benefit from structured training and development opportunities designed to enhance both technical and commercial skills. Business development is encouraged and supported at all levels.
The role
- Delivering excellent client service
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Managing matters under appropriate supervision
- Drafting correspondence and court documents
- Liaising with the Court, instructing counsel and experts
- Attending hearings and all‑party meetings
- Supporting other team members and supervising junior colleagues where appropriate
- Developing expertise in property litigation
- Providing high‑quality legal advice
- Working collaboratively within the team and across the wider firm
- Promoting Harrison Drury’s values internally and externally
Skills and experience
- 4+ years’ PQE (ideally)
- Strong commercial property litigation experience
- Based within commutable distance to our Preston or Kendal offices, will need to travel between them both when required
- Experience across a range of property litigation matters, including real property, landlord and tenant disputes, and contractual disputes
- Ability to manage a caseload with appropriate supervision
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organisational and planning skills
- Strong communication skills
- Confident IT user
- Excellent client‑facing skills
- Willingness to engage in business development and contribute to the growth of the property litigation offering at Harrison Drury
Benefits
- Hybrid working policy
- Commitment to a maximum of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum
- Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
- Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Holiday entitlement increases with length of service
- Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
- Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
- Free individual or mirror Wills
- Employee referral scheme
- Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
- Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards
Why Join Us?
- Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm.
- Work alongside recognised experts in the field.
- Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in staff development and wellbeing.
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
- Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team.
Solicitor/Associate - Property Litigation in Preston employer: Harrison Drury & Co
Contact Detail:
Harrison Drury & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor/Associate - Property Litigation in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join legal forums, and connect with fellow solicitors on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job at Harrison-Drury.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your previous cases and how you've tackled property litigation challenges. This will demonstrate your strong commercial property litigation experience and make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to Harrison-Drury directly through our website. Express your interest in the role and ask insightful questions about the team and culture. This shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can contribute to the Land and Property Dispute Resolution team at Harrison-Drury.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor/Associate - Property Litigation in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your 4+ years of PQE and specific experiences in commercial property litigation that align with what we’re looking for at Harrison-Drury.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills have helped you succeed in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re a people-focused firm, so showing us who you are and what drives you will help us understand if you’re a good fit for our culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Drury & Co
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your property litigation knowledge. Familiarise yourself with key cases and recent developments in the field. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific cases you've worked on, especially those involving landlord and tenant disputes or real estate litigation. Highlight your role in these cases and the outcomes, as this will illustrate your ability to manage a caseload effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Harrison-Drury values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you've worked within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to team success, as this aligns with their culture of developing and retaining brilliant people.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to property litigation and their business development strategies. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the firm's growth and success.