Senior Associate Solicitor - Residential and Commerical Property

Exciting Opportunity at Judge and Priestley Solicitors LLP

Our Values

• Expert - We will invest in the continual development of our people, team and also technology to ensure that we continue to be experts in all that we do.
• Professional - We are accountable to our clients, colleagues, and all those with whom we engage to ensure that we are open, transparent and act with integrity in all that we do.
• Friendly - Whilst at all times being professional, we will ensure that we are approachable and seek to put those with whom we deal, at ease in their dealings with us.

Judge & Priestley are now recruiting for an experienced Residential & Commercial Property Solicitor to join our London office. We are a leading regional law firm, serving a wide range of commercial and private clients across South East London and the surrounding counties, from our Head Office in Bromley and additional offices in Beckenham, Blackheath, Sidcup and London. Established in 1889, we have evolved into a modern, progressive practice, recognised for our commitment to client service, diversity and inclusion, and our strong track record of developing and promoting talent from within.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Residential & Commercial Property Solicitor to join our well-established Property team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious solicitor who enjoys managing a varied caseload of high-quality work while building strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of residential and commercial property matters from instruction through to completion with minimal supervision.
• Provide clients with accurate, practical and commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of property transactions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers, developers and other professional contacts.
• Progress matters efficiently and proactively, ensuring clients are kept informed throughout the transaction and receive an exceptional level of service.
• Deal with a range of residential property matters including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity and new build transactions.
• Handle commercial property matters including acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, renewals, assignments and landlord and tenant matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of property-related documentation and agreements.
• Ensure all files are managed in accordance with firm procedures, lender requirements, SRA regulations, AML obligations and GDPR requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the firm's case management system.
• Achieve agreed billing, time recording and financial targets while managing matters efficiently and profitably.
• Identify opportunities for cross-referral work and contribute to the continued growth of the Property department.
• Support and mentor junior members of the team where appropriate.
• Ensure matters are concluded efficiently, with a focus on client satisfaction, repeat business and maintaining long-term client relationships.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Typically 5+ years PQE with significant experience in residential and commercial property matters.
• Proven ability to manage complex transactions independently and provide high-quality client service.
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of residential conveyancing and commercial property law, practice and procedure.
• Experience advising on a broad range of matters including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, commercial acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, and commercial leases.
• Excellent understanding of property-related compliance requirements, including AML regulations, Land Registry processes and lender requirements.
• Awareness of market trends, developments and opportunities within the residential and commercial property sectors.
• Established network of professional contacts, including estate agents, brokers, lenders, surveyors, developers and other referrers.
• Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of business development, profitability and client relationship management.
• Experience supporting and mentoring junior team members and contributing to team development.

Benefits

• Profit Share Scheme - We want all our employees to have a share in the success of the firm. This non contractual bonus is paid in June based on the profit from the previous financial year.
• Medicash - Once you have passed probation, you will be enrolled into our scheme which provides cashback on a range of health services. In addition, we also offer an Employee Assistance Programme and high street discounts.
• Birthday off - If your birthday falls on a working day, you can have that day off as an extra day’s leave.
• Pension - All employees are entitled to join our auto enrolment pension scheme. You will be enrolled in the pension after 3 months of employment dependent on age and salary.
• Death in Service Insurance - All employees will be entitled to 2 x salary. Please ensure you complete your nomination form in your new starter pack.
• Annual leave - You will receive an additional day’s holiday after every two years of service to a total maximum of 30 days.
• Legal Fees - After one year’s service, you will be entitled to a contribution towards legal fees. The rules to this can be found in the staff handbook.
• Recruitment Incentive - We offer £500 referral bonus to say thank you for introducing a job candidate that becomes employed by J&P and passes their probation.
• Season Ticket Loan - After probation, you are entitled to apply for an interest free advance for a season ticket to use public transport to reach your place of work.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Allows you to make a saving of 25% - 39% on the retail price of a bike.