Job Description
Commercial Property Paralegal
Location: Central Manchester
Contract Type: Full-time | Hybrid after probation
Firm: Legal 500
Salary: Up to £27,000
Role Overview
We are seeking a professional, motivated, and detail-oriented Commercial Property Paralegal to join our busy real estate team. The successful candidate will support fee earners and partners across a broad range of commercial property matters — from acquisitions and disposals, through lease negotiations and property management, to post-completion formalities. This is a hands-on role in a dynamic and challenging environment, offering exposure to a wide variety of commercial property transactions and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success.
This role is ideal for someone with previous commercial or residential property experience, with a strong understanding of property law, good organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Transaction and File Management
* Open new matters, prepare client engagement documentation, and conduct initial conflict, KYC and AML checks.
* Manage a broad caseload of commercial property matters, including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, lease assignments, rent-deposit arrangements, lease renewals, and landlord/tenant issues.
* Conduct due diligence: obtain and scrutinise title documents, Land Registry entries, company records (where relevant), and historic deeds; review restrictive covenants, easements, rights of way, planning permissions, and any ancillary agreements.
* Order and assess searches (local authority, environmental, drainage, insolvency, and other relevant checks) and report findings accurately to supervising solicitors or clients.
Drafting & Documentation
* Draft a wide range of legal instruments including leases, transfer deeds, licences, legal charges, variations or surrender agreements, overages or option agreements, rent-deposit deeds, licences to assign or underlet, and other ancillary documentation.
* Prepare and manage pre-exchange/pre-completion documentation and enquiries (e.g. responses to Commercial Property Standard Enquiries or bespoke due diligence enquiries).
* Assist with mortgage-financed transactions: work with lenders’ solicitors, liaise with finance teams, and ensure security documentation and undertakings are completed, funds transferred, and all conditions met ahead of completion.
* Prepare completion statements, handle SDLT filings, registration applications with Land Registry or Companies House (if applicable), and manage post-completion formalities including requisitions, charge registrations, and distribution of completed documents to clients/lenders.
Client & Stakeholder Liaison
* Act as a key point of contact for clients, agents, lenders, solicitors, surveyors, and other third parties — providing updates, obtaining instructions or required documentation, and managing expectations throughout the transaction lifecycle.
* Coordinate and communicate with internal teams (case management, accounts, finance) to ensure timelines are met, funds are managed correctly, and files are ready for exchange or completion.
Administration, Compliance & File Management
* Maintain accurate, organised, and compliant client files in accordance with firm procedures, regulatory standards (e.g. AML, GDPR), and internal quality control guidelines.
* Manage time-recording and billing-related tasks where appropriate, ensuring client fees, disbursements, and post-completion financials are documented and prepared for invoicing or ledger reconciliation.
* Prepare and organise client engagement packs, undertake file openings and closings, archive completed matter files, and ensure all administrative and compliance tasks are completed.
Required Skills & Experience
* Previous experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in commercial property, real estate, or conveyancing — ideally with exposure to both freehold and leasehold transactions.
* Strong drafting, proofreading, and document-management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
* Good understanding of property law, Land Registry procedures, leases, transfers, easements, and general real estate documentation.
* Well-developed organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines concurrently.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — comfortable liaising with clients, third parties, lenders, and internal colleagues at all levels.
* Proficiency with office and legal software, case management systems, electronic searches, and legal databases.
* A proactive, commercial, and solution-focused mindset, with the ability to work independently under supervision while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
What the Firm Offers
* A full-time, office-based role within a firm specialising in commercial property and real estate work.
* Exposure to a wide variety of commercial property transactions, giving you broad experience and exposure to complex matters.
* Opportunity to build technical expertise in leases, transfers, mortgage-backed property work, and post-completion work.
* A structured and supportive working environment, with supervision and training.
* Real opportunity for development and progression, particularly for candidates keen to take on increased responsibility over time.