Commercial Property Solicitor

Role Overview

• Manage a busy commercial property caseload from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring transactions progress efficiently and clients are kept informed at every stage
• Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on commercial property issues including lease drafting and negotiation, licences, surrenders, dilapidations, assignment and underletting, and property disposals and acquisitions
• Draft, negotiate and review commercial leases, sale and purchase agreements, option agreements, overage agreements, licences and ancillary property documentation ensuring commercial objectives are reflected and legal risks are managed
• Conduct property due diligence, prepare title reports, requisitions on title, searches and completion documentation in accordance with firm and client requirements
• Advise on landlord and tenant disputes, possession claims, lease enforcement, forfeiture and rent recovery, instructing counsel or other specialists where appropriate and managing litigation processes
• Advise on planning, environmental, rights of way, easement and covenant issues insofar as they impact commercial property transactions, liaising with planning or environmental advisers as required
• Liaise with clients, landlords, tenants, agents, surveyors, valuers and other professional advisers to ensure timely completion of transactions and resolution of issues
• Ensure compliance with client verification and anti‑money laundering (AML) procedures and firm file opening/closing checks, maintaining audit‑ready files and accurate financial records
• Manage billing, fee estimates and client care letters, supporting timely billing and fee recovery in line with firm policies
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, paralegals and trainee staff where required, contributing to training, knowledge sharing and quality assurance within the team
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and precedents, support the adoption of technology and digital working practices to improve efficiency and the client experience.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor (SRA) with relevant PQE in commercial property
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases, sale and purchase contracts, licences and related property documentation
• Confident in managing complex property transactions, conducting legal due diligence and preparing robust completion and post‑completion documentation
• Experience handling landlord and tenant disputes and possession proceedings, with the ability to instruct and work with counsel where necessary
• Good commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage legal and commercial risks, providing pragmatic solutions for clients
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, agents, surveyors and multi‑disciplinary professionals
• Demonstrable commitment to maintaining compliance with AML and client identification requirements, producing audit‑ready files and clear file records
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads, manage deadlines and maintain attention to detail across multiple matters
• Proactive, client-focused and commercially minded with a willingness to contribute to business development and team initiatives
• Proficiency with case management systems and common office IT applications; willingness to learn firm systems and promote efficient digital workflows.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive firm environment