Join our dedicated client's team as Commercial Property Solicitor, on a hybrid basis in Chesham. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice and case management across a varied caseload of commercial property matters, ensuring efficient progression, accurate documentation and excellent client care within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, commercial awareness, continuous professional development and high standards.
This role will involve advising on commercial leases, landlord and tenant matters, property acquisitions and disposals, property due diligence, property-related financing matters and portfolio management, together with acting on property development, option agreements and service charge disputes. The post offers opportunities for professional development, involvement in process improvement and hybrid working following successful completion of the probationary period.
Provide proactive legal and administrative support across a mixed-complexity commercial property caseload from client intake through to matter closure, ensuring timely progression, accurate record keeping and high standards of client care.
Act for landlords, tenants, developers, lenders and investors on commercial lease negotiation, renewal, surrender and enforcement matters; draft and review leases, licence agreements, deed of surrender and related documentation.
Manage property acquisition and disposal transactions including conducting property due diligence, preparing contract documentation, liaising with conveyancers, surveyors and other advisers, and coordinating completion processes.
Advise on property development agreements, option agreements, conditional contracts and overage arrangements; draft and negotiate bespoke commercial property documentation to protect client interests.
Support property financing and security transactions by preparing and reviewing charges, mortgages, legal charges and security documentation; liaise with lenders’ counsel and other stakeholders to ensure timely completion.
Handle service charge, rent review and dilapidations matters, liaising with surveyors and other experts where required; prepare schedules, correspondence and formal notices and take appropriate steps to protect client positions.
Undertake client care and AML procedures, verify identity where required, maintain audit-ready files and ensure compliance with the firm’s risk, file management and regulatory requirements.
Use and maintain case management systems and digital precedents; open and close files, record time and assist with billing, disbursement tracking and preparation of fee estimates where required.
Prepare and check correspondence, contract documentation, statutory forms and court or tribunal filings where applicable; liaise with counsel on contentious matters and prepare instructions and bundles.
Liaise with clients, surveyors, lenders, agents, other advisers and third parties to obtain information, chase outstanding matters and progress transactions towards completion; escalate issues as appropriate.
Support fee-earners at client meetings, negotiations and hearings where necessary; prepare attendance notes, due diligence reports and transaction timetables to ensure matters progress efficiently.
Contribute to continuous improvement by maintaining precedents, checklists and workflows; help identify opportunities to streamline processes, mitigate risk and enhance the client experience.
Provide support and guidance to more junior colleagues where appropriate; participate in training and knowledge-sharing to foster a supportive team environment and maintain high standards of client care.
Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial property work, with minimum 3 years PQE handling commercial property transactions and landlord & tenant matters.
Practical experience preparing and negotiating commercial leases, contracts for sale and purchase, due diligence reports and related documentation; accuracy in drafting and checking documents is essential.
Knowledge of commercial property practice including lease negotiations, rent reviews, service charges, dilapidations, property due diligence and basic security documentation; ability to identify when to involve external specialists.
Excellent client care and communication skills with the ability to manage commercial relationships, explain options clearly and manage client expectations with professionalism.
Organised and able to manage competing priorities and a varied workload; strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision when required.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team, support colleagues and contribute positively to firm culture; professional discretion and confidentiality are essential.
Proficiency with case management systems, e-conveyancing/transactional platforms and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and help embed digital workflows and precedents.
Commercial awareness with the ability to present pragmatic, commercially viable solutions to clients and to identify opportunities to add value to client engagements.
Commitment to personal and professional development and to supporting the delivery of commercial, client-focused legal services; willingness to undertake CPD as required.
