Senior Residential Property Solicitor
Position Summary
Lewis Denley Solicitors is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Residential Property Solicitor to join our dynamic Residential Property team.
This is an opportunity for a confident residential property solicitor who is looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role within a growing and forward-thinking team.
The successful candidate will have substantial experience managing a varied residential conveyancing caseload, including more complex transactions, and will take a proactive approach to client service, team development and business growth.
We value exceptional client service, innovation, technology and collaboration, and are looking for someone who shares our commitment to delivering a modern, efficient and personable legal service.
Location
This role will be based at our Horsham office, with a degree of hybrid working available.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage a varied and predominantly complex caseload of residential property matters, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, lease extensions and other residential property transactions.
- Take ownership of matters from instruction through to completion, ensuring transactions progress efficiently and to a high standard.
- Provide clear, commercially aware and practical legal advice to clients, explaining complex issues in a straightforward and accessible way.
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts, leases, transfer documentation and other property-related legal documents.
- Deal confidently with complex title issues, leasehold matters, restrictions, covenants, easements and other property-related issues.
- Undertake and review property searches and title investigations, identifying and resolving issues promptly.
- Manage relationships with clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers, lenders, other solicitors and third parties, maintaining a high level of communication throughout each transaction.
- Provide accurate quotations and fee estimates and identify opportunities to develop client relationships and generate additional business.
- Ensure all matters are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, SRA requirements and Land Registry procedures.
- Prepare accurate client invoices and maintain accounting ledgers in accordance with the SRA Accounts Rules.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive electronic files and utilise the firm's case management system to ensure effective workflow and file management.
- Support and mentor more junior members of the Residential Property team, sharing knowledge and helping to maintain high standards of work and client service.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of departmental processes, systems and ways of working.
- Assist with the implementation and effective use of technology to improve efficiency and enhance the client experience.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers and other professional referrers.
- Play an active role in business development and networking activities, identifying opportunities to raise the profile of the firm and develop new sources of work.
- Contribute to the firm's marketing and social media activity where appropriate.
- Keep up to date with developments in residential property law, conveyancing practice, regulation and technology through ongoing professional development and training.
- Support the wider objectives and growth of the Residential Property team and the firm.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Significant post-qualification experience in residential property and a strong track record of managing a varied and complex caseload.
- Strong technical knowledge of residential property law, conveyancing procedures and Land Registry requirements.
- Experience dealing confidently with more complex residential property transactions and resolving issues with minimal supervision.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to manage a busy caseload independently, prioritising effectively and meeting deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and confidence with clients and professional contacts.
- A professional, friendly and approachable manner, with a genuine commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take ownership and make decisions.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in developing client and referrer relationships.
- The ability and enthusiasm to support, mentor and develop more junior members of the team.
- A willingness to embrace technology and identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
- The ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- A commitment to maintaining high professional standards and keeping knowledge up to date.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is more than just technically strong. You will be an experienced residential property solicitor who takes pride in the service they provide, enjoys building relationships and wants to make a genuine contribution to the continued development of the team and the firm.
You will be confident working autonomously but equally comfortable collaborating with colleagues and supporting more junior members of the team.
Most importantly, you will share our commitment to providing high-quality legal advice alongside a personal, responsive and client-focused service.
Application Process
Interested candidates should send a CV and covering letter outlining their experience and suitability for the role to: Heather Gaffney
