We are looking for a Solicitor to join our Ecclesiastical Department, with a particular focus on commercial property and property-related matters for the department’s clients.
The successful candidate will manage a personal caseload from initial instruction through to completion, providing clear, practical and commercially focused advice to ecclesiastical, charitable and faith-based organisations. The role will also support the continued development of the department’s specialist property offering and long-term client relationships.
Applications are welcomed from candidates looking to be based in Leeds, Sheffield or York.
- Manage a personal caseload of ecclesiastical property matters, taking responsibility for files from instruction through to completion.
- Provide commercial property advice to ecclesiastical, charitable and faith-based clients of the department.
- Advise on the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property.
- Draft, review and negotiate leases, licences, transfers, easements and other property documentation.
- Advise clients on the management of their existing property portfolios and estates.
- Undertake title investigations, property searches and appropriate legal due diligence.
- Identify and advise upon property issues arising from ecclesiastical and charitable ownership structures.
- Liaise effectively with clients, agents, surveyors and other professional advisers to progress matters efficiently.
- Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially focused advice which reflects each client’s objectives, governance arrangements and circumstances.
- Maintain strong standards of file management, compliance, risk management and client care.
- Manage personal billing, work in progress and financial performance in accordance with departmental expectations.
- Develop strong relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities for further instructions.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm where clients require additional legal services.
- Contribute to business development, networking and initiatives designed to strengthen the profile and growth of the Ecclesiastical Department.
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor with relevant commercial property or real estate experience.
- Experience managing a personal property caseload with an appropriate level of autonomy.
- Good technical knowledge of commercial property transactions, with strong drafting and negotiation skills.
- Excellent organisation, file management and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to provide practical, solution-focused advice.
- Strong client relationship skills and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to the wider team.
Desirable
- Experience advising ecclesiastical, church, charity or faith-based clients.
- Knowledge of property matters involving charitable or ecclesiastical organisations.
- Experience advising clients with multiple property interests or portfolios.
- An interest in developing a specialist career within the ecclesiastical legal sector.
- Competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Friendly and supportive working environment
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities
- Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Option to buy or sell up to one week's holiday
- Ability to carry over one week's annual leave
- Additional day off to celebrate your birthday
- Staff discount card offering savings at local retailers
- Regular social events and team activities
- Staff discounts on legal services
