Payne Hicks Beach is a leading 43 partner firm based in offices at 10 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn. In total the firm comprises approximately 220 staff. Our offices are located in one of the finest squares in London, a building which the firm has occupied since 1770. The firm combines a rich heritage with a modern, client‑focused approach, maintaining long‑standing relationships that often span generations and developing relationships with exciting new clients. The firm provides specialist bespoke legal services to private and commercial clients, being widely recognised for its high-quality legal work and with an excellent reputation in many areas of law (rated in both Chambers and Legal 500). A defining feature of Payne Hicks Beach is its emphasis on bespoke service and deep client engagement. The firm prioritises understanding each client’s individual circumstances, allowing it to deliver advice that is both technically robust and commercially or personally appropriate. This approach, combined with close collaboration across specialist teams, enables the firm to manage complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters seamlessly.
The Property Department
Our Commercial Property team at Payne Hicks Beach advises on a wide range of high‑value, complex real estate matters in a variety of sectors, acting for dynamic entrepreneurs, institutional investors, family offices, high and ultra‑high net worth private clients and corporate occupiers, often with corporate and finance elements. The team is particularly experienced in handling sophisticated transactions involving prime assets, development projects and diversified property portfolios, often across multiple jurisdictions.
We provide strategic advice across the full lifecycle of commercial property assets, including acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, asset management, development and financing. Clients benefit from a pragmatic, solutions‑led approach that reflects the firm’s wider reputation for delivering clear, commercially focused advice tailored to individual objectives. The team is known for combining technical excellence with a highly personalised service, operating at the top end of the market on matters that require discretion, attention to detail and responsiveness.
The Team
The Property Department is made up of 15 team members and currently consists of 4 Partners, 1 Consultant, 2 Senior Associates, 3 Associates, 1 Trainee Solicitor and 4 Legal Assistants/Secretaries.
The Role
We would like to hire a solicitor to join our Commercial Property team on a permanent and full‑time basis. You will ideally have 3-5 years PQE in a similar or City firm. You will advise on a broad range of commercial property matters, including sales, purchases, leases, promotion agreements, option agreements and real estate finance. The role offers good exposure to the firm’s clients so you will need excellent interpersonal skills and to be responsive to their needs. The role will involve working alongside corporate, finance, dispute resolution and tax colleagues to deliver fully integrated advice to clients. You will have the opportunity to build relationships and also be involved in generating new business for the team and the firm. The team has an ambitious business development agenda and will expect you actively to engage.
The Individual
The ideal candidate will have experience of the following:
- Commercial property transactions, including sales, purchases and leases, on the buyer side, the seller side, the landlord side and the tenant side;
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial leases for landlords or tenants, including rent reviews, repairs, and break clauses;
- Advising on development, planning permissions, site acquisitions, option agreements and conditional contracts; and
- Dealing with commercial mortgages, refinancing, and acting for lenders on secure lending.
Key Skills:
- Deep understanding of commercial property law.
- Ability to negotiate terms to protect the client’s interests.
- Meticulous review of contracts to identify potential liabilities.
- Understanding the client’s business goals.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Technologically capable.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages e.g. Excel and Word.
- Excellent command of both spoken and written English, and strong numeracy skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Dedicated, team orientated and pro‑active.
- A learning mindset.
- Happy to be flexible in terms of time and place of work.
Personal Skills:
- Understanding how legal decisions impact a client’s business strategy and the wider real estate market.
- The ability to navigate non‑standard, heavily negotiated contracts that characterize commercial deals.
- Meticulous attention to detail in drafting complex legal documents where small errors can lead to significant financial liability.
- Translating complex legal jargon into practical, business‑focused advice for stakeholders like company directors or investors.
Remuneration Package
Salary - Market rate
Target - 1100 hours
Other Benefits
- 4x Life Assurance
- Permanent Health Insurance
- WPA Medical Insurance
- Bluecrest Health Assessment
- EAP Scheme
- Auto enrolment in the firm’s Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme and Introduction Bonus Scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan after 3 months
