Knights has always done things differently; in 2012, we were the first organisation of our type in the UK legal sector to attract private equity investment, enabling us to move from the traditional partnership model to a corporate structure, creating a clear separation between management/ownership and fee earners.
The success of our model was reflected in very attractive growth over the following 6 years and since our listing on the AIM market in June 2018, we have reported year on year growth in both turnover and profits.
With over 1400 colleagues across 31 locations our strong organic growth, combined with a number of high quality recent acquisitions in Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Kings Hill, Exeter, Weybridge and Sheffield means we are now a more diversified business with strengthened positions in our key target markets. We have the team and financial resources in place to deliver our organic and acquisitive growth strategy as we scale up to be the leading legal and professional services business outside London.
Our business model and culture remains a clear differentiator from many legal services businesses enabling us to recruit individuals who wish to work in a modern professional services business.
The Opportunity
We are now looking to add to our great team in Uxbridge office specifically with the Plot Sales team. They deal with a wide range of matters in this regard from high value residential acquisitions and disposals, lease extensions, and trust related conveyancing. They have a proven track record of advising large residential development projects, from set up to plot sales and free hold disposals. Below are aspects included within the role but not limited to;
* Understanding the conveyancing process in full (private matters as well as plot matters) and initially assisting but with time undertaking without supervision: file opening on non – plot matters and associated client care letters, reviewing and understanding register entries and the preparation of a draft contract and contract packs on private client residential sales, drafting for approval by a fee earner replies to additional enquiries raised on a sale (plot and non-plot), drafting replies to requisitions on title, applying for searches on Searchflow or other online search provider, drafting bills and completion statements on non-plot matters, drafting Stamp Duty Land Tax Returns on private purchases and submitting the same to HMRC, dealing with registration at Land Registry on non-plot matters.
* Progressing open market plot sales from issue of contract pack to post completion
* Drafting the relevant form of contracts, lease/Transfer of part collation and preparing the contract pack including evidence of title;
* Responding to routine and increasing more complex enquiries raised by buyers, solicitors and clients;
* Progressing sale to exchange and completion matters including liaison with solicitors and advising clients;
* Preparing completion statements and bills;
* Dealing with post completion notices and formalities and Land Registry requisitions;
* Acting as the primary interface with clients and all third parties managing their expectations, liaising and keeping them informed as to the progress of the transaction;
* Being responsible for the preparation of regular client reports;
* Dealing wherever appropriate professionally and articulately with client enquiries and communications demonstrating always a sound understanding and knowledge of the nature of the client’s business and the relevant sales products.
* Attending clients both in person and on the telephone and providing such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm's standards for client care;
* Undertaking any specific training when required to do so and having a responsibility towards self-development;
* Ensuring the confidentiality of all the firm's and client's documentation and information
* Undertaking any other suitable work for the firm as and when requested.
* Providing suggestions as to innovation without prompting to improve efficiency and effectiveness and assisting the partner and fee earners regarding implementation of the same.
We offer a unique environment; you will be part of a one team culture that promotes direct responsibility with an expectation to always deliver the best service possible for clients within a collegiate, team based environment.
Most excitingly of all, you have the opportunity to help change the way we all think about and deliver the future of legal and professional services in a friendly, caring business, with little (if any) hierarchy. Our culture of positivity and transparency, provides a great platform for the right people to take their careers to the next level.
If you would like to make a positive difference to your career get in touch with our Recruitment Manager, Michael Appleby, for a highly confidential and informative discussion about why Knights is different. Michael can be contacted on 07805 819860 or by email at michael.appleby@knightsplc.com