Weightmans is a Top 45 law firm with offices throughout the UK. Having been recognised as the leading legal employer at the annual Britain's Top Employers awards 2021 and achieved record rankings in Chambers UK, we are immensely proud of the work we carry out for our clients and the culture we provide to our people.

The Department

Our national Real Estate team provides a complete range of legal and advisory services on all aspects of commercial property for both the public and private sector. We advise on and draft heads of terms, development agreements and associated construction, planning and site disposal matters, funding arrangements, freehold transfer and associated due diligence procedures, grant assignment and lease renewals. Our clients range from major retailers, leisure operators, regional developers, local authorities, universities and healthcare providers. We have been involved in a range of projects from £100 million city centre regeneration schemes to smaller bespoke ventures. Our service includes the management of large property portfolios for occupiers and investors, advising on LTA 1954 renewals, easements, covenants, service charges and land registration.

The role

Our Real Estate team is seeking a 4-6 PQE solicitor to join its London team.

Having a reasonable understanding of the firm’s values and culture, you will be keen to raise the profile of the team. You will represent our clients to the highest standard. You will be eager to broaden your range of expertise and skills.

Key Responsibilities and Duties include:

You will undertake varied and high quality work, dealing with substantial transactions both in the private and public sector which include: real estate finance, landlord & tenant matters, acquisitions and disposals; the grant, renewal and termination of leases and related matters; conditional sale and purchase contracts.

You will demonstrate sound knowledge and experience of all commercial property work and commercial awareness.

It is also essential that you are able to demonstrate that you can develop and maintain good client relationships.

Client Relations:

• To provide a high quality legal service to all Weightmans clients.
• To develop and maintain good client relationship skills, gaining clients’ confidence and that of other professionals.
• Receive requests for legal advice from current and potential clients and deciding on the most appropriate responses to make to these requests.
• Establishing what needs to be done to solve a client’s problems.
• Offering advice on the law, legal procedures and a wide range of associated issues.
• Attend and represent Weightmans at client meetings.
• Draft contracts and other legal documents.
• Research documents and case history to ensure accuracy of advice and procedures.

Professional Standards:

• To work and behave in a professional manner and to the highest standards of the profession.
• Comply with procedures set out in the Office Manual, professional standards and any requirement set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• Carry out duties given by the partners or employees faithfully and diligently and follow all reasonable instructions.
• To participate in the growth and development of the department / firm.
• Treat all information about the firm and its client and their business as wholly confidential.
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in the law.
• Attract additional business from new and existing clients.
• Record all chargeable hours.

Personal Development:

• To have a clear understanding of what it would take to develop a career to the next level.
• Support internal procedures and systems of Weightmans including file / case management, time recording.
• To respect partners, staff and clients and in turn earn the respect of the department and clients.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Attend internal training and external training as and when required.
• Keep up to date with law and practice.
• Share information with colleagues.
• Read journals and attend courses as part of continuing professional development (CPD) and keep track of CPD hours.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct while generating adequate practice income, ensuring that the fees earned sufficiently exceed total costs and expenses incurred.

Fee Contribution:

• Solicitors at every level must be able to show a track record of achieving their fee contribution and time targets and that the targets are appropriate for their position and level of qualification

The person specification

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level, preferably in Law and having preferably obtained a 2:1 or above although all applications will be considered.
• LPC / BVC qualified essential.

Motivation & Competencies

• Evidence of interest in, and commitment to, the success of the firm. Relevant experience within a professional services firm would be desirable.
• Understanding of and commitment to Weightmans values and ethos.
• Excellent communication both written and verbal - the role involves liaison with internal and external people at a senior level.
• A self-starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation, but also work closely with other team members and displaying trust and loyalty.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks in an assertive, efficient and timely manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism in all dealings.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Must be able to multitask and keep calm under pressure.
• The flexibility to work outside normal office hours as required.

Other Information

Please note:

• Any reference to experience or PQE in our adverts or job descriptions is to be used as a guideline only. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and with different levels of experience who can demonstrate that they fulfil the requirements of the role.

• The successful candidate appointed to this role will be subject to our standard background checking process, and any offer of employment made is conditional upon successful completion of those checks. Further details can be obtained from the Recruitment team.

• We're committed to diversity and inclusion and to creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential.