Head of Commercial Property

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Property Solicitor to join and lead our growing Commercial Property team, based at our Norwich office. You may already be a head of commercial property or a commercial property solicitor with people management experience but looking to take a leadership role within a friendly, collaborative and growing law firm.

The successful candidate will join as a salaried partner and will play a key role in the continued development of the department, while providing high-quality legal advice and an excellent service to clients.

The Candidate

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is a qualified solicitor with significant experience in commercial property law
• Has experience managing a varied commercial property caseload from instruction through to completion, with a fee earning target
• Has proven experience in leading, supervising, mentoring, and developing legal professionals and support staff
• Has a strong technical expertise and understanding of commercial property practice, procedure and relevant legislation
• Can demonstrate excellent client care and relationship-building skills
• Is commercially astute and understands the financial and operational aspects of running a legal department
• Has strong business development and networking skills, with the ability to develop new and existing client relationships
• Has excellent organisation, time management and attention to detail
• Can communicate clearly and professionally with clients, colleagues and professional contacts
• Can work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards of service
• Is a supportive team player who is committed to a collaborative working environment

The Role

This role will see the successful candidate undertaking the following tasks:

• Leading and managing the Commercial Property team, supporting the development of a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
• Supervising, mentoring and supporting team members, and providing guidance on technical and professional matters
• Leading on recruitment, performance management, training and the ongoing development of the team
• Managing a varied caseload of commercial property matters from instruction through to completion
• Advising clients on acquisitions, disposals, development, investment, landlord and tenant matters, leases, licences, easements and other property-related transactions
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, leases, licences, reports on title and other commercial property documentation
• Providing clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice to a broad range of clients
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, agents, lenders, developers and other professional contacts
• Taking responsibility for the financial performance of the department, including fee earning, billing, work in progress and credit control
• Monitoring matter progress, costs and deadlines to ensure that clients receive an efficient and effective service
• Ensuring compliance with all regulatory, financial and risk management requirements and policies and procedures
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the department’s business plan and leadership initiatives
• Identifying and pursuing business development and networking opportunities to promote the firm’s commercial property services
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to support clients with their wider legal requirements

About the Team

Our vastly experienced commercial property team deals with all aspects of the commercial property sector from lease assignments to refinancing of property portfolios. We also work closely with our corporate team on share and asset sales and purchases. Whatever the business size, the team provides effective solutions for all property requirements.

With extensive experience of all types of business occupiers and landlords, the team also draws on knowledge from across the firm to provide a comprehensive service, keeping our client’s needs at the heart of what we do.

#TeamSpire

Spire Solicitors LLP is one of the largest legal firms in the region. With head offices in the heart of Norwich city centre, we also boast an unrivalled regional presence across the county, with offices in market towns throughout Norfolk including Attleborough, Aylsham, Dereham, Diss, Watton, and Wymondham.

We offer a comprehensive range of legal advice, and our dedicated team actively work together to deliver a friendly and personable culture.

Our core values are: Trust, Responsibility, Client Driven, People Matter and Teamwork.

Benefits

• Healthcare cash plan with Bupa
• Contributory pension scheme
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE)
• 2 self-care days per year (FTE)
• Paid "close down" days at Christmas
• Personal Development Plan to support your career
• Wellbeing Champions to support wellbeing within the firm
• Agile/Flexi Working Policy
• Staff events, and an active social committee
• A collaborative and engaging company culture

Equal Opportunities

Spire Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunity employer with all applicants considered for interview and potential subsequent employment without regard to disability, gender identity, race, sex, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.