Conveyancer

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Property and Development Lawyer to join our growing Property Department. Applications are welcomed from qualified Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives (CILEX) and Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) with substantial experience in commercial property and complex conveyancing matters. The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload of commercial and development transactions, including commercial acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, development site acquisitions and disposals, new build developments, site set-up, bridging finance, shared ownership schemes and property finance transactions. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer with strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Property
  • Manage a varied caseload of commercial property transactions from instruction through to completion.
  • Handle acquisitions and disposals of commercial freehold and leasehold properties.
  • Draft, review and negotiate contracts, transfers, leases, licences, deeds and ancillary documentation.
  • Advise clients on commercial leases, lease renewals, assignments, underleases and licences.
  • Deal with landlord and tenant matters.
  • Conduct title investigations and identify legal risks affecting commercial property.
  • Prepare and submit Land Registry applications and SDLT returns.
• Development & New Build
  • Act on development site acquisitions and disposals.
  • Advise developers throughout the lifecycle of residential and mixed-use developments.
  • Undertake site set-up work, including drafting transfer documentation, estate documentation, easements, rights, restrictive covenants and estate management arrangements.
  • Prepare and review plot sale documentation.
  • Manage new build plot sales from reservation through to completion.
  • Liaise with developers, planning consultants, local authorities, lenders and utility providers.
  • Advise on infrastructure agreements and estate documentation where required.
• Shared Ownership
  • Act for developers, housing associations, purchasers and lenders in shared ownership transactions.
  • Draft and review shared ownership leases.
  • Manage initial shared ownership sales and resale transactions.
  • Advise on staircasing transactions.
  • Liaise with housing associations and registered providers.
  • Advise clients on eligibility requirements, lease provisions and resale restrictions.
• Bridging Finance & Property Finance
  • Act on bridging finance transactions for residential, commercial and investment properties.
  • Review lender documentation and satisfy lender requirements.
  • Coordinate simultaneous acquisitions, refinances and exit strategies.
  • Liaise with specialist lenders, brokers, valuers and borrowers.
  • Advise clients on legal risks associated with short-term lending arrangements.
  • Ensure all lender conditions are satisfied prior to completion.
• Client Care
  • Deliver exceptional levels of client service.
  • Maintain regular communication with clients and professional contacts.
  • Build long-term relationships with developers, investors, lenders, agents and introducers.
  • Provide commercially focused legal advice tailored to clients' objectives.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with SRA, CLC or CILEX regulatory requirements, AML regulations, GDPR and lender panel obligations.
  • Undertake due diligence including source of funds and source of wealth enquiries.
  • Identify and manage legal, regulatory and commercial risks.
  • Maintain accurate and compliant file management.
• Business Development
  • Develop relationships with developers, commercial agents, lenders, brokers, accountants and other professional introducers.
  • Attend networking and business development events.
  • Assist with marketing initiatives and departmental growth.
  • Support and mentor junior lawyers, conveyancers and support staff.
  • Contribute to strategic development of the Commercial Property Department.

Knowledge & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) or Licensed Conveyancer (CLC).
• Significant experience managing a commercial property caseload independently.
• Strong experience in development work, site acquisitions and disposals.
• Experience undertaking development site set-up and estate documentation.
• Experience acting on new build developments and plot sales.
• Experience with shared ownership transactions and housing association work.
• Experience acting on bridging finance and secured lending matters.
• Strong knowledge of landlord and tenant law.
• Excellent understanding of HM Land Registry procedures, lender requirements and SDLT.
• Experience using legal case management systems.

Skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and sound legal judgement.
• Ability to manage complex transactions and competing deadlines.
• Excellent organisational and file management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable and commercially focused.
• Proactive with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong business development mindset.
• Highly organised and resilient under pressure.
• Committed to delivering exceptional client care.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

Key Performance Indicators

• Efficient management of commercial property and development matters from instruction to completion.
• High levels of client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Compliance with regulatory and lender requirements.
• Achievement of billing and departmental targets.
• Successful development of client and introducer relationships.
• Contribution to departmental growth and business development.
• High standards of file management, risk management and technical excellence.