About us
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 45% of our partnership.
The team you will join
Our Utilities team sits within the wider Real Estate Division, advising on complex infrastructure, energy and utilities related property matters and volume conveyancing for the networks including electricity, gas, fibre, water and EV Charge point operators.
The team act for a wide range of clients, including statutory undertakers, national and regional energy providers, water companies, and landowners. Our work spans acquisitions and disposals, easements and wayleaves, infrastructure agreements and strategic land projects.
With lawyers at varying levels of qualification, the team are one of the largest dedicated Utilities teams in the country, and proud to represent several of the registered Independent Distribution Network Operators in England.
The work you will be doing
You will be responsible for:
* Drafting, negotiating and advising on a broad range of contracts, deeds and legal documentation (including leases, easements and ancillary documents), tailored to each client’s specific requirements and risk profile
* Building and maintaining strong client relationships through direct communication with clients and intermediaries, acting as a trusted point of contact
* Managing and progressing an active caseload, ensuring matters are handled efficiently, deadlines are met and a high standard of client service is consistently delivered
* Supporting and collaborating with colleagues across the team, including supervising and mentoring junior fee earners, sharing knowledge and contributing to team development
* Participating in and supporting marketing, business development and networking initiatives, including client events, sector-focused activities and profile-raising opportunities
* Contributing to continuous improvement of team processes, precedents and ways of working to enhance efficiency and service delivery
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
What we are looking for
We are recruiting for a candidate with a clear interest and experience working within a busy Real Estate team (residential or commercial). The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to manage high volumes of work, ensuring the consistent production of accurate, high-quality documentation.
* Demonstrable interest and foundational knowledge in chosen practice area
* Experience working in a Real Estate team – Residential or Commercial
* Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard
* Professional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client service
* To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation
Birketts has designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people.
As a Solicitor, we typically expect candidates to have up to 3 years PQE. As an Associate, we typically expect candidates to have between 3-6 years PQE.
Hybrid Working
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 80% office days and 20% working from home days per week after a successful probationary period.
We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Benefits
As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:
* 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
* Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
* Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
* Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
* Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
* Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
* Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
* Paid CSR Day
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
* Subsidised gym membership
* Electric car scheme
* Dress for your Day Policy
You can find out more on our website: https://recognition-reward-benefits/
Inclusivity and Culture
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
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