Job Description Commercial Property Senior Associate Salary: £70,000–£90,000 Location: East Hertfordshire Why This Opportunity Stands Out Are you an ambitious commercial property solicitor ready to take your career to the next level with a leading UK law firm that combines national reach with genuine work-life balance? This is your chance to join a dynamic, forward-thinking practice where you'll handle high-value, complex transactions for an impressive client base spanning retail, hospitality, real estate development, and corporate sectors—all whilst enjoying comprehensive support, excellent benefits, and clear pathways to partnership. Our client has evolved from a traditional family firm into a modern legal powerhouse with an extensive nationwide network of professionals. They're not just another law firm—they're committed to being the employer and legal provider of choice through exceptional service, responsible business practices, and a culture that genuinely invests in its people. The Opportunity As a Senior Associate in the Commercial Property team based in East Hertfordshire, you'll take full ownership of a sophisticated caseload, working directly with high-profile clients on strategically important property matters. This role offers genuine autonomy, exposure to complex, high-value transactions, and the platform to develop your expertise whilst working alongside experienced partners who are committed to your progression. Your Key Responsibilities Will Include: • Managing complex commercial property transactions independently from instruction to completion, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, and development projects • Advising national corporations, multi-academy trusts, professional partnerships, and growing businesses on strategic property matters • Drafting and negotiating high-value legal documentation including contracts, leases, development agreements, option agreements, and security arrangements • Providing commercially astute, solution-driven advice that aligns with clients' broader business objectives and risk appetite • Building and nurturing long-term client relationships through exceptional service delivery and proactive communication • Leading on property aspects of corporate transactions, working collaboratively with cross-practice teams • Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors and trainees, contributing to their professional development • Contributing to business development initiatives including pitches, seminars, and networking events • Staying current with legal developments and sharing knowledge across the team What You'll Need to Succeed Essential Requirements: • Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 7–10 years PQE in commercial property law • Proven track record of independently managing large-scale, complex commercial property transactions from inception to completion • Strong technical expertise across acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant matters, property development, and property finance • Experience advising diverse client sectors including retail, hospitality, real estate development, corporate, education, and charitable organisations • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with meticulous attention to detail and commercial awareness • Demonstrable client relationship management experience with the ability to generate, develop, and retain work • Commercial acumen and strategic thinking – able to provide pragmatic advice that supports clients' business goals • Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to explain complex legal concepts clearly to clients and colleagues at all levels • Supervisory experience with the ability to mentor and develop junior team members • Proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent organisational and project management skills Desirable Skills & Experience: • Experience with property aspects of corporate M&A transactions • Knowledge of real estate finance, secured lending, and refinancing matters • Familiarity with planning law, environmental considerations, and development agreements • Experience advising multi-academy trusts, charities, or public sector organisations on property matters • Track record of business development and client generation • Experience with portfolio management for institutional landlords or investors Comprehensive Benefits Package Our client understands that exceptional talent deserves exceptional support and rewards: Financial & Professional: • Competitive salary of £70,000–£90,000 (dependent on experience and PQE level) • Discretionary performance-related bonuses recognising your contributions and business development • Structured professional development programme with clear progression to partnership for high performers • Funded CPD and specialist training to enhance your technical expertise and leadership skills • Annual appraisals with transparent career pathway discussions ensuring your ambitions are supported • Business development support including marketing assistance and networking opportunities Health & Wellbeing: • Permanent health insurance providing comprehensive financial protection and peace of mind • Extensive wellness programmes supporting physical, mental, and emotional health • Mental health support services including confidential counselling and therapy sessions • Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for you and your immediate family • Health cash plan covering everyday medical expenses including dental, optical, and physiotherapy • Occupational health support ensuring your wellbeing at work Work-Life Balance: • 37.5 hours per week with genuine respect for work-life balance • Generous annual leave entitlement plus your birthday off to celebrate • Flexible hybrid working arrangements balancing office collaboration with home working • Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave • Supportive culture that values your wellbeing alongside professional excellence • Realistic workload management with proper resourcing and support Culture & Environment: • Inclusive, diverse workplace with active equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives • Modern, well-equipped offices in East Hertfordshire with excellent facilities and free parking • Collaborative team environment where knowledge-sharing and mutual support are encouraged • Regular social events and team-building activities fostering strong relationships • Recognition programmes celebrating achievements, milestones, and exceptional work • Commitment to responsible business practices including sustainability and community engagement Career Progression & Development This role offers a genuine, structured pathway to partnership for the right candidate. Our client actively promotes from within and provides: • Clear progression framework with transparent criteria for advancement • Mentoring from partners who are invested in your success • Leadership and management training preparing you for senior roles • Business development coaching to help you build and grow your own client base • Exposure to high-profile matters that enhance your market profile • Opportunities to specialise in niche areas of commercial property law • Regular career reviews ensuring you're on track to achieve your ambitions Location & Working Arrangements Based in East Hertfordshire, you'll work from modern, purpose-designed offices with excellent transport links to London, Cambridge, and across the region. The location offers the perfect balance of accessibility and quality of life, with beautiful countryside, excellent schools, and vibrant market towns nearby. The firm offers flexible hybrid working, typically 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home, allowing you to balance collaborative teamwork with focused work time whilst maintaining strong client relationships and team connections. About Working in East Hertfordshire East Hertfordshire combines the best of both worlds—excellent connectivity to London (under an hour by train) with outstanding quality of life. The area boasts charming market towns, excellent schools, beautiful countryside, and a strong sense of community, making it ideal for professionals seeking career progression without the London commute and cost of living. The Ideal Candidate You're an experienced commercial property solicitor who thrives on complex, high-value work and is ready to take the next step in your career. You're commercially minded, client-focused, and ambitious, with a proven track record of delivering excellent results. You're looking for a firm that will invest in your development, provide genuine partnership opportunities, and offer the support and resources you need to excel. Ready to Elevate Your Career? If you're an experienced commercial property senior associate seeking a role that combines challenging, high-quality work with genuine work-life balance, excellent support, and clear progression to partnership, we want to hear from you. For a confidential discussion about this exceptional opportunity, please contact Mara Watson at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions: Email: m.watson@h-fts.com Phone: 0333 996 2882 Visit: https://h-fts.com/ Please submit your CV outlining your commercial property experience, key achievements, and career aspirations. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate technical excellence, commercial awareness, and a genuine passion for commercial property law. If that sounds like you, we'd love to start a conversation. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.