Commercial Property Solicitor/Legal Executive

We are searching for an enthusiastic Commercial Property solicitor to join our team.

SME Solicitors has a strong commercial presence across Worcestershire and is looking to expand its offering to more businesses. This is a fantastic opportunity to work both independently and as part of a growing team. The successful candidate will have good experience of dealing with Commercial Property matters but, above all, will have a great attitude. If you are hard working, well-organised and keen to learn, continue reading to find out more.

Salary – market rate dependent upon experience.

What would I be doing day-to-day?

• Managing your own files in accordance with Lexcel and in accordance with the firm’s policies and procedures. In relation to your files, (limited) supervision of secretarial/other support staff.
• Liaising with clients, other firms of solicitors, agents and other third parties.
• Undertaking continuous professional development: to build on knowledge, skills and experience.
• Focusing on client relationships: looking to develop existing client relationships and to cultivate new ones.
• Attending and conducting client meetings at SME’s offices and off-site.
• Liaising with Head of Commercial Property to ensure effective management of workflows and to address any issues as may arise.
• Providing legal advice to clients and acting on behalf of clients in relation to all aspects of commercial property law and practice.
• Drafting of commercial property related legal documentation, such as contracts, transfers, leases, licences to assign, rent deposit deeds etc.
• Preparing applications to the Land Registry (including applications for first registration).
• Dealing with transfers of land and property, whether by way of transfer of part or otherwise.
• Dealing with the sale and purchase of land or other commercial property (including freehold and leasehold, registered and unregistered titles), to include:
• Drafting negotiation of contract and other documentation
• Carrying out all appropriate due diligence
• Reporting on title
• Attending to exchange of contracts and completion
• Dealing with post-completion matters.
• Dealing with commercial lease matters, including:
• acting for landlord in preparation of draft lease and all further work as reasonably required and appropriate, to and including completion
• acting for tenant in reviewing and advising on lease (including lease report) attending to all further work as reasonably required and appropriate, to and including completion and including post-completion matters.
• From time to time, you may also be providing (limited) advice in relation to Stamp Duty Land Tax (‘SDLT’), attending to submission of SDLT returns and dealing with applications to the Land Registry (including applications for first registration)
• Acting on behalf of a wide variety of existing clients and new clients.
• At all times, endeavouring to achieve the targets set by the firm in relation to time recording and billing.

What makes SME Solicitors different?

SME Solicitors is a well-established law firm located in the centre of Worcester, with a history dating back to 1840. The firm combines traditional values with modern practices to provide a personal and proactive service to our clients - many of whom have been with us for generations. SME Solicitors is proud to be an independent high street firm that is able to provide a full suite of legal services to Worcestershire’s individuals, families and businesses alike.

We strive to make our firm a friendly, flexible and supportive place to work. That’s why we have a range of benefits that our members of staff can take advantage of. Some of these include:

• Working within a flexible and supportive environment.
• Wellbeing provision with Mental Health and Emergency First Aiders on site.
• Free parking on the premises, including at weekends.
• A well-stocked staff kitchen and access to our cold water machine in reception.
• Pension provision with auto enrolment.
• Flexible parental leave arrangements.
• Holiday entitlement including statutory holiday, birthday as holiday, Christmas Eve and three days between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
• We also offer one paid day for charity work each year.
• Long service recognition.
• Pay day breakfast, staff socials and invitations to networking events.
• Christmas festivities and other seasonal events.
• Discounts on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and Residential Conveyancing of a primary residence.
• Sight tests and contribution towards the cost of glasses.
• Professional development coaching, including webinars and CPD training.
• Opportunities for career development including apprenticeships.
• Commitment to charitable initiatives supporting multiple local charities.

What traits and experience would help me to thrive at SME?

You would need…

• The ability to work on your own and as part of a team
• Good experience in dealing with commercial property matters, including, for instance, acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters (non-contentious), corporate support and re-financing.
• A desire to grow and develop the firm’s business services offering and become known within the business community of Worcestershire and surrounding areas.

Ideally, you would also benefit from having…

• Wider property experience including, for example, development, agricultural property and/or ecclesiastical conveyancing.
• Experience of corporate/commercial work would be an advantage but is certainly not necessary.

Who would I be working with?

Our Commercial Property team is hard-working and efficient, supporting a variety of commercial clients across Worcestershire and beyond with their property transactions. Our specialists have vast experience across a range of matter types, ranging from property development, to commercial leases and renewals, sales and purchases and property finance.

SME Solicitors focuses on providing the best legal advice and service, ensuring we truly care for and know our clients. We are looking for someone who wants to provide the best service possible, while enjoying the benefits of a balanced work/life ratio. You would be working with a friendly and helpful team who deal with good quality work from clients both locally and across the country.

We are always looking to improve our Commercial Property offering and by taking on a new member of the team, we hope to expand and continue to provide the excellent service that our clients expect.

There’s more to learn about our team on our website, at www.smesolicitors.co.uk/for-your-business/commercial-property

What are some of the things we would discuss during an interview?

• Your previous experience in employment and how it would help you in this role.
• Your professional experience, accomplishments, training and client interactions.
• Your ability to cope with a full workload and demanding situations.
• Any other areas of interest within the job, as well as your goals going forward.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Commercial property law: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person