About Us
As a Top 100 UK law firm, we're known not just for the quality of our work, but just as importantly to us, for the quality of our people.
The wider Real Estate department is headed up by Michelle Bendall, with teams in all our offices, recognising our breadth and strength servicing a strong national client base. This role is within the part of the Commercial Property team led by Jon Durham, a partner in the London office who is supported by a legal director, an associate, a trainee solicitor, an apprentice and a paralegal.
The role
Jon's team undertakes a wide range of commercial property work for clients including national charities and non-profit organisations, educational institutions, retailers, GP surgeries, property developers, and property investors both large and small. Your varied workload will include acquisitions and disposals, development work, asset management, corporate support, project work and landlord and tenant matters.
This is a sociable and collaborative role where you'll enjoy working closely with colleagues in other teams and offices. We work seamlessly alongside our colleagues in the wider Real Estate team, including the Property Litigation and Construction teams and no two days will be the same. Key clients for the London Commercial Property team include Citizens Advice, Rugby School, the Richemont Group of luxury brands, Royal Academy of Music, Institute of Cancer Research, Mitsubishi Electric and Canterbury Cathedral.
We pride ourselves on being more than just lawyers. We believe we are part of the client's team and seek to balance the client's commercial objectives with their legal requirements at all times. We're also passionate about business development and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to (and be encouraged to) get involved in multiple BD activities.
Here at VWV, we're keen to ensure our lawyers gain real client contact, especially during the early stages of their qualified career, and so you'll be encouraged to manage your own caseload from an early stage within a supportive framework of supervision to nurture personal development and growth for your future career at VWV.
You’ll be a qualified solicitor with at least one training seat in commercial property. You do not need to have specific experience in any particular areas but you should be resilient, self‑motivated and willing to learn.
Where will I be working?
We have approximately 100 employees based in our City office, in its impressive location overlooked by The Monument and with views of the City and the Thames. We've been operating a hybrid model of office and remote working. As a lawyer at the relatively early stages of your post-qualified career, we would like you to spend at least three days a week in the office to make the most of our supervision and guidance. We're happy to discuss any specific requirements of hybrid working with candidates on an individual basis.
Why choose us?
There are so many reasons to stop and explore VWV further. We're known for our friendly and welcoming culture where teamwork and collaboration are key. There's no pigeon-holing or glass ceilings here, just a professional yet relaxed culture where you can finally be yourself.
At VWV, we're committed to your growth with our bespoke Learning Academy, offering structured career-level programs across core business areas to prepare you for promotion opportunities and career advancement.
We're striving to an inclusive employer of choice, to create a workplace environment that promotes and values diversity, where everyone, regardless of background, can reach their full potential. During the assessment process we've supported a range of reasonable adjustments in the past though we continue to learn and evolve to create the best possible candidate experience for everyone. If you'd like to discuss what's possible — even if you are not sure what you might need — please reach out to our recruiter, who'll be happy to talk through options and share what’s worked well for others.
Not sure whether to apply?
Making the next career move is one that can feel immensely daunting and we've all been there! It’s more than likely you’ll have one or two questions on the role or firm before you feel happy to apply. If so, please contact me, Emma Latchem‑Hughes, Talent Acquisition Advisor (Lawyers), in complete confidence on 07340 632798 or elatchem-hughes@vwv.co.uk and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Ready to join us?
To help you to get more of a flavour for life at VWV and to find out what our own people say about us, we invite you to watch this short video on the right hand side. We also invite you to watch our 'join the Real Estate team' video (Join the Real Estate Team | VWV). If you feel ready to apply, then please click on the red "Apply Now" button at the foot of the advert.
Research shows that people from diverse backgrounds sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At VWV, we believe potential and attitude are just as important as experience so if you’re enthusiastic about this role, we’d love to hear from you.
Recruitment agencies
We're directly sourcing for this role and are not accepting any applications from agencies at this time. We politely request therefore that you don't send candidates through. Any named or anonymised profile or CV sent to us will be deemed an unsolicited approach and treated as a gift.
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