Residential Property Solicitor in Hertford

We are seeking an experienced Residential Property Solicitor to join our busy property team, based in Hertford. The successful candidate will manage a varied residential property caseload, providing high-quality, client-focused legal services across sales, purchases, remortgages and leasehold matters for private clients, investors and corporate clients. This role involves handling matters from initial client instruction through to completion, ensuring efficient progression of transactions, accurate documentation and compliance with regulatory and firm procedures. You will be expected to deliver clear, pragmatic advice, maintain strong relationships with clients and third parties, and contribute to the continued development and commercial performance of the department.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a mixed-complexity residential property caseload including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity and lease extensions; ensure matters progress to agreed timetables and clients receive clear, practical advice.
• Conduct client care and AML checks at intake; open, maintain and close files ensuring matter records are audit-ready and compliant with firm policies and SRA regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, review and execute legal documents including contracts, transfer deeds, mortgage deeds, lease documentation, SDLT forms and completion statements; ensure accuracy and attention to detail in all drafting and execution.
• Liaise with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders, surveyors, local authorities, solicitors and other third parties to obtain information, resolve issues and progress matters to completion; manage client expectations with clear, timely communication.
• Undertake title review, raise and respond to pre-contract enquiries, deal with searches, planning and local authority requirements and resolve title defects or other legal issues; provide pragmatic solutions to achieve timely completions.
• Manage completions and post-completion matters including registration of title, discharge and registration of charges, leasehold administration and distribution of completion funds; prepare and submit SDLT returns and liaise with Land Registry.
• Identify potential risks and tax or legal issues affecting transactions and advise clients appropriately; liaise with the firm’s tax or specialist teams where necessary to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
• Supervise and mentor paralegals and junior fee‑earners; delegate tasks appropriately, review work for accuracy and compliance and contribute to the team’s development through coaching and feedback.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage matter budgets, record time accurately and assist with billing to support commercial performance of the team.
• Use and maintain case management systems, precedents and document templates; contribute to process improvements, knowledge sharing and the development of standard working practices to enhance efficiency.

Key skills and experience required:

• Qualified solicitor with approximately 5 years PQE in residential property conveyancing within a law firm or legal services environment.
• Proven experience handling sales, purchases, remortgages and leasehold matters including SDLT, Land Registry and lender requirements; accuracy and attention to detail in document preparation are essential.
• Practical knowledge of property law, conveyancing practice, title issues, leases and related regulations; ability to identify and resolve common and complex transaction issues.
• Strong client‑care and communication skills with the ability to manage expectations, explain legal issues clearly and maintain professional relationships with clients and third parties.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing deadlines and work independently while escalating issues appropriately.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff and a commitment to supporting colleagues’ development through coaching and constructive feedback.
• Proficiency with case management systems, document management and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and embed efficient digital workflows and precedents.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to delivering client solutions that balance risk, cost and client objectives; ability to contribute to practice growth and client retention.