At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Commercial Property team to advise on high-value real estate matters and complex transactions.
- Company: Payne Hicks Beach, a prestigious law firm with a rich heritage and modern approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for business development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic team while developing your legal expertise in commercial property.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years PQE in commercial property law and excellent interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About Payne Hicks Beach
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;
- Title due diligence work;
- Advising on development, planning permissions, site acquisitions, option agreements and conditional contracts;
- 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
- Medicash Cashplan Scheme
- Bluecrest Health Assessment
- Unum Dental Scheme
- 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
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Holiday Purchase
- Wellbeing Programme Gymflex
- Holiday 25 days
Commercial Property Solicitor in London employer: Payne Hicks Beach LLP
Payne Hicks Beach is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of rich heritage and modern legal practice in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on bespoke client service and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from excellent professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth. The firm’s commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive remuneration, and a range of benefits, including health insurance and a discretionary bonus scheme, makes it an attractive place for solicitors looking to advance their careers in commercial property law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Property Solicitor in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Payne Hicks Beach LLP, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Property Solicitor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Payne Hicks Beach LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Payne Hicks Beach LLP and the specific role of Commercial Property Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Payne Hicks Beach LLP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Payne Hicks Beach LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Payne Hicks Beach LLP.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Payne Hicks Beach LLP.
