Commercial Property Solicitor (1 - 6 years PQE) - Sussex

The Jonathan Lea Network is looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Commercial Property Solicitor, with 1–6 years’ PQE, to join our growing team in Haywards Heath, and take ownership of a varied commercial property caseload while working closely with colleagues across the firm. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who is looking to develop their career within a growing, entrepreneurial law firm and who enjoys working with businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and property owners on a broad range of commercial property matters.

Depending on experience, the salary ranges from £45K to £70K per annum. Higher salaries may be available for candidates with an existing client following. Full time regular hours are Monday to Thursday 9am – 6pm and Friday 9am – 5pm. Benefits include a Christmas bonus and a very generous commission scheme which can significantly increase your salary. We also have a strong social side to the business and regularly organise team events, dinners and parties. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed, although the role will require regular time working from our Haywards Heath office.

The Jonathan Lea Network is a growing, business-focused law firm based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. We advise a wide range of businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and individuals across the UK and internationally, with particular strengths in corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, employment and commercial property. We offer a collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment where solicitors have the opportunity to take responsibility for their own matters, work directly with clients and become closely involved in the continued development of the firm.

The successful candidate will undertake a varied commercial property workload. Our property work arises both from clients instructing us directly and from matters involving our corporate and dispute resolution teams. The role is likely to include:

• landlord and tenant matters;
• commercial leases, including the preparation, review and negotiation of leases and associated documents;
• acquisitions and disposals of commercial property;
• freehold and leasehold transactions;
• property aspects of corporate acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations;
• development and investment property matters;
• other general commercial property work.

There is already a strong pipeline of work within the firm, and the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own areas of interest and expertise as the practice continues to grow.

Although we are looking for someone who can operate with a good degree of autonomy, the successful candidate will have support available within the wider team. We have a growing team of paralegals and trainee solicitors, including individuals with commercial property experience, who can assist with matters and to whom appropriate work can be delegated. The role also provides the opportunity to work closely with our corporate and dispute resolution teams on transactions and disputes involving commercial property.

We are interested in candidates with approximately 1–6 years’ PQE in commercial property law who have developed a solid grounding in commercial property work and are comfortable managing matters with a good degree of independence. Applicants should have:

• a good grounding in commercial property law and transactions;
• experience handling commercial property matters with an appropriate degree of autonomy;
• the ability to manage their own workload and use their initiative;
• a collaborative approach and willingness to work closely with colleagues across different practice areas;
• a meticulous eye for detail and strong drafting skills;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• high standards of client service and presentation;
• confidence using technology and modern legal working practices;
• commercial awareness and an interest in businesses, investment and transactional work;
• enthusiasm for taking on new challenges and broadening their knowledge and skills;
• an interest in contributing to the firm's marketing, networking and business development activities.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical ability with a practical and commercially minded approach and who will enjoy becoming an active part of a growing firm.