Senior Associate / Legal Director - Norwich or IpswichPQE: Term Type: PermanentWorking Hours: Full time or Part timeReports to: Department: Real Estate Finance 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 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 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.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 40% of our partnership.Our team of experienced Real Estate Finance Lawyers handle a range of complex real estate finance law matters and advise on transactions throughout the UK.The team has detailed knowledge of all sectors of the property finance industry and acts for both lenders and borrowers.The specialist team advises financial institutions, private equity funds, hedge funds, institutional funds and other types of lenders, as well as developers and investors and our real estate finance team advises on a variety of financing issues.A minimum of 6 years PQE in a professional legal environment with a well developed knowledge in all areas of commercial property and/or residential property and a genuine interest in real estate finance.Contribute to thought leadership and sector-focused marketing initiatives Ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development Established client base or network (preferred but not essential) Experience building credibility and trust through effective relationships 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. Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to high-net-worth clients. You will be responsible for: Ensuring client needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency Maintaining and growing client relationships and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm. Leading and mentoring a team of junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Participating in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services. 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. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous servicePrivate 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 InsurancePaid CSR DayEnhanced Maternity/Paternity LeaveSubsidised gym membershipElectric car schemeAgile/Hybrid Working PolicyDress for your Day Policyhttps://www.birketts.co.uk/recognition-reward-benefits/Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. 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. 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.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.