Partner / Legal Director / Team Leader

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The firm
Bristol is our seventh office opening in the early Autumn so come and be part of the founding team. Since January 2021 we have had a 'hub' which has hosted our Southwest based partners but to reflect our growth in this area and the firm strategy we are now here to stay. We are establishing a full-service presence in Bristol, and this is an exciting opportunity to be part of that and help form the office as we grow.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we live in and serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. https://www.birketts.co.uk/environmental-social-governance/

Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. Sustainability was a key factor in determining our choice of office in Bristol.

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 with our other offices being located in in 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, litigation and private client advisory.

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.
The department
We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated real estate teams in the country, numbering over 100 specialists. Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with high value and complex residential real estate, specialist investment financing and leasehold enfranchisement.

The depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions on cost effective terms, providing our clients with true value for money.

Our Residential real estate team is dynamic and fast growing with an entrepreneurial flare. We have 65+ dedicated residential team members across six offices, with Bristol soon to be added to that number.

Despite being such a large team, spread across five counties and the capital, we have a unified vision and shared culture which allows our team members to thrive and achieve their goals.

We have a vacancy for a forward-thinking Team Leader to join the practice with a focus on rapid expansion within the local residential real estate market.
Purpose of job
You will lead the residential offering in Bristol including building a team around you and thereafter ensuring the adoption and deployment of the wider residential real estate business plan. As such you will also be an active contributor to the core management group across all offices which is responsible for team strategy.

You will be an ambassador of the Birketts' culture and embrace our appetite for diversification, both legally and non-legally.

The role will suit a candidate with a significant following and marketplace presence to be able to actively and effectively grow the practice.
Accountabilities

• To actively develop the business through existing and new connections including the development and implementation of a Bristol business plan
• To grow the geographical team to become self-sustaining
• To explore new work types and opportunities for diversification
• To provide a vital interface between the team members and the management of the considerable overall team
• To be responsible for day to day management of team members at all levels including recruitment, performance management, managing staff absences and holidays, technical matters that arise on a daily basis, overall team financial and compliance management and motivating the team to perform to the best of their ability
• To instil the Birketts' culture and brand signatures and values throughout the team
• To be the initial point of escalation for client feedback including effective first point of contact for complaints handling
• To be involved in the strategic management of the overall team and take on discreet projects for the whole team, under the direction and leadership of the strategic management team members
• To act for a range of clients from individuals to corporate entities on a diverse range of residential property matters
• To work alongside and developing relationships with high end property finders and estate agents
• To oversee and be responsible for the training of junior team members

The candidate

• Solicitor with at least 10+ years' PQE gained at a strong regional or City firm
• Experience of all aspects of mainstream residential real estate work is required with minimal supervision
• Strong academic background
• A high attention to detail to produce work/ documentation which is consistently of a high standard
• To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
• Interest in and aptitude for business development
• A proven ability to meet the demands of high value conveyancing including enhanced accessibility
• To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, Outlook and digital dictation

Equal opportunities
We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.

Benefits

One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support.

https://www.birketts.co.uk/working-for-birketts/

Highlighting:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG day (Environmental, Social and Governance)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy

Partner benefits discussed at interview stage.

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.