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.

Responsibilities

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.

Skills

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.

Benefits

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