Do you love looking at issues from a fresh perspective? Love the challenge of a thorny legal problem? Curious, thoughtful and want to make a difference? You'll be in good company here.
We are doing great work supporting clients in the public sector – and that shows in the growth of brilliant projects we are instructed on. As a result of that success, the team is growing. We are looking for a lawyer with real estate experience to join our Public Law and Projects Team based in Southampton, Newcastle or Leeds. We would consider applications from those looking to work on a part or full time basis, and we adopt a hybrid approach to being in the office.
Our Public Law and Projects team advises on principally public‑sector‑led projects which span a variety of sectors across England and Wales. These projects often entail delivery of regeneration incorporating housing, education and public services infrastructure.
Our multidisciplinary Public Law and Projects team brings together specialists with a wealth of experience and technical expertise in different fields to support the delivery of challenging and complex projects, working collaboratively to deliver the best solution for our clients. No two projects are the same, and our lawyers thrive in applying their knowledge to unique situations, drawing on the multi‑disciplinary expertise in the team to identify bespoke client‑centric solutions.
Additionally, our team shares a passion for contributing to the successful outcome of projects with a strong element of social value, which have a positive impact for communities. It's a powerful combination and one that makes this work so special.
What is the role?
You will be part of a nationally recognised team, focusing on a broad range of real estate transactions with a public sector element. Working with Real Estate specialists Sin Ballingall and Peter Cantwell, and alongside other brilliant experts in their field, you will be engaged to work on matters including large‑scale development and infrastructure schemes, energy‑related projects such as heat networks, and PFI projects, often in a context where procurement, subsidy and other issues will need to be taken into account. The work will be wide ranging, challenging and offers plenty of opportunity to learn and develop both personally and professionally.
You’ll be joining a close‑knit group of straightforward, supportive lawyers who love what they do, who are proactive in finding unique solutions for clients, and who enjoy the challenge of often unconventional legal issues. Regardless of location, you will have access to a good blend of local and national work, with plenty of opportunity for client contact where you can play a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships directly with our amazing clients.
Business development is important for all our lawyers, and you will be able to contribute to the growth of the Public Law and Projects team by supporting local client events, contributing to our reputation and identifying opportunities for further success. There will also be opportunities to help guide and mentor less experienced members and to help contribute to our shared knowledge and expertise in this specialist area.
In summary, this is a great opportunity to make your mark in a growing team of committed, like‑minded lawyers, to further develop your real estate experience learning from and working with the best public sector lawyers as part of our national team, and have a real chance to make a difference to the success of nationally important projects.
What does the ideal candidate look like?
We're keen to see applications from solicitors who have experience across a wide range of real estate transactions. If you have transaction experience in the public sector space that would be an advantage but it's not a prerequisite. An interest in the sectors in which we are instructed and a strong desire to learn will be important. Key skills and experience for success in this role include:
* being a qualified solicitor with the right to practice in England and Wales is essential;
* a proven track record, with at least 3 years post qualification experience, with well‑developed technical understanding of a broad range of real estate transactions;
* capable of working independently, with the confidence to manage unique transactions, coupled with the commercial understanding of when to bring in the skills and expertise of colleagues to deliver the right solution;
* excellent technical and drafting skills;
* an ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines and to work at pace on complex and high‑value transactions;
* a positive attitude to learning, with a desire to research tasks and ask questions;
* a willingness to support business development activities.
What makes it great to work here – a point of view like no other
We see things differently and our approach reflects that in all areas of our business. We are a team of over 1300 lawyers and technical specialists that continue to deliver trail‑blazing work for our exceptional clients. We’re investing in technology, setting legal precedents and challenging perceptions.
But in addition to that we are proud to have created a unique open and person‑centric culture that we think sets us apart from other firms. Our award‑winning Responsible Business and ESG agenda, our embedded DE&I initiatives led by our Board‑sponsored DE&I group and our support of the Mindful Business Charter all support our endeavours to ensure that our people are able to maintain healthy and happy lives, both in and out of work.
We have a number of resources and initiatives designed to support health and wellbeing and we’re very happy to talk flexible working, full‑time or part‑time working patterns. Find out more about ED&I at WBD here.
We encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition and need us to make any adjustments to give you the best possible recruitment process, please let us know by contacting the recruiter on the right hand side of this page. Please also let us know if you need this job advert or the application form in a different format.
We will offer an interview to candidates with a disability or long‑term condition who meet the minimum criteria for this role. You can opt into this scheme within the application form. Your response to this question is only used for this purpose, is only visible to the recruitment team and is not used for data monitoring.
If you are an agency, please contact us for ways that you can work with us.
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