Mallory Pryce is a specialist recruitment consultancy for the UK property and legal sectors. With over 15 years of experience, we connect law firms and conveyancing practices with the talent they need to grow. We focus on quality over volume, matching candidate aspirations with business goals.
Permanent, full-time role with flexible hybrid or remote working options available in Greater Manchester
We are seeking an organised and experienced Commercial Property Solicitor to join our client's busy Property team. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of commercial property matters from instruction through to completion, providing high-quality legal advice, delivering excellent client care and ensuring compliance with firm procedures and regulatory requirements. This role offers clear opportunities for professional development and progression within the commercial property team.
Salary from £45,000 - £60,000 depending on experience
Key responsibilities:
* Manage a full caseload of commercial property transactions including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, commercial lettings (both landlord and tenant work), lease renewals, easements, licences and development agreements, ensuring matters progress efficiently from instruction to completion.
* Act as the primary point of contact for clients, surveyors, lenders, agents and other third parties; provide clear, timely updates and maintain high standards of client care throughout the matter.
* Draft, negotiate and review a wide range of commercial property documents including heads of terms, leases, licences, surrenders, undertakings, deeds of covenant, overage and restrictive covenants; identify and advise on key commercial and legal risks.
* Carry out detailed title reviews, prepare and respond to pre-contract enquiries, obtain and analyse searches and due diligence information, and advise on title defects and remedial requirements.
* Prepare completion and settlement statements; liaise with lenders and conveyancers on completion logistics and ensure timely remittance of funds where applicable.
* Prepare and submit registrations and documentation to HM Land Registry using appropriate digital services; handle requisitions on title and follow up as required to achieve timely registration.
* Advise on and assist with leasehold management issues including service charge apportionments, landlord and tenant disputes, dilapidations and compliance with repair and insurance covenants where applicable.
* Provide pragmatic commercial advice on planning, environmental, restrictive covenant and title-related matters, liaising with planning and environmental specialists where necessary.
* Maintain accurate electronic and paper file records, complete time recording and billing information promptly, and ensure compliance with the firm’s document retention, risk and quality control policies.
* Carry out client identity checks and anti-money laundering procedures on new and existing matters, escalating any suspicious or unusual matters in line with firm procedures.
* Provide supervision and guidance to junior fee earners and support staff; contribute to the continuous improvement of team processes and the development of commercial property service offerings.
Key skills and experience required:
* Proven experience in commercial property law within a law firm or in-house environment, managing a varied caseload with minimal supervision.
* Practical knowledge of HM Land Registry procedures and digital submission processes together with strong understanding of commercial post-completion requirements.
* Experience drafting and negotiating commercial leases, sale and purchase documentation, and ancillary agreements; strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and mitigate client risk.
* Excellent drafting, negotiation and attention to detail skills with strong numeracy for preparing completion statements and handling financial aspects of transactions.
* Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise competing deadlines and work to tight timescales.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to liaise professionally with clients, fee earners, lenders and third parties.
* Proactive, collaborative and able to work independently; commitment to delivering high standards of client service and maintaining confidentiality.
* Strong compliance awareness including familiarity with AML checks, client verification and maintaining robust audit trails for commercial property files.
* Digital literacy including experience with legal case management systems and commercial conveyancing or portfolio management software.