Commercial Property Litigation Associate Solicitor

Porter Dodson LLP; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Annual Bonus Review

Pension Scheme(s)

Life Assurance

Eye Tests

Flu Jabs

Legal Support

Charity/office socials

Job summary

Porter Dodson LLP is seeking an Associate in Commercial Property Litigation to join a busy team across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. The role is hybrid and can be based in Poundbury, Taunton or Yeovil, with a varied caseload and exposure to high-quality property disputes.

The successful candidate will typically have around 4–5 PQE, be ambitious and client-focused, and capable of contributing to business development while delivering practical, commercial advice.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial property disputes, with strong client handling abilities.
• Ability to manage client expectations and build relationships.
• Proactive in networking and business development to grow the department.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied caseload of commercial property disputes, including lease breaches and dilapidations.
• Support growth strategy and contribute to client and matter management.
• Collaborate with partners and other teams to deliver high-quality advice.

Skills

Commercial property disputes

Client management

Business development

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Porter Dodson is an award-winning Top 200 UK Law Firm, providing commercial and private legal services to individuals and businesses across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

We're proud of a regional presence that gives clients the local connections and friendly in-person service they love. Being embedded in our local communities and market sectors gives our clients a superb service grounded in the real world.

What makes Porter Dodson a great place to work is our people and our culture. Our team are the lifeblood of the firm, and we are fully committed to ensuring our team are motivated, well cared for, and fulfilling their potential at work. Our people are our priority, which is why we have such excellent staff retention rates and how we have sustained a gold accreditation from Investors in People since 2016.

The Role

Due to continued growth, we have an exciting opportunity for an Associate to join our highly successful Commercial Property Litigation team to further bolster and support our offering to clients. This is a hybrid role and can be based out of our Poundbury, Taunton or Yeovil office. We have a varied and high-quality caseload of commercial property disputes and you will play a key role in the team supporting clients with all elements of property dispute matters whilst also being instrumental in supporting our growth strategy. Some of the areas of property disputes you could expect to deal with:

• Commercial property disputes; breach of lease, rent arrears claims, forfeiture,
• Disputes over breach of covenant, dilapidations claims, commercial lease disputes, business lease renewals;
• Easements and rights of way disputes, Adverse Possession claims and party wall and boundary disputes;
• Landlord and tenant disputes, Farming Partnership disputes, property ownership disputes (including TOLATA).

About You

Joining our reputable Property Litigation department, this role would best someone experienced in commercial property litigation matters, using 4-5 PQE as a guide only. The successful candidate is ambitious, pro-active, and enthusiastic, with great client management and interpersonal skills. You will be commercially aware and have excellent property disputes experience with business development and networking skills to match. The right candidate will have a growth mindset with the ability to see the bigger picture with a keenness to build your profile, further develop your sector expertise and contribute to the teams’ success.

In addition to your property disputes expertise, we are looking for a team player who values every member of the team and wider firm and their contribution to the success of Porter Dodson. We have a unique offering at PD where we have the benefit of being a larger firm but pride ourselves on having maintained the flexibility, collaborative nature and welcoming environment of a smaller firm.

Whether you’re already an Associate looking for a sideways move into a firm to further progress your career or if you’re looking for a step up in a supportive environment; Porter Dodson can offer a tailored approach to your career path where you can really make it your own. This role is an excellent platform for you to continue to build on your success in an environment where your expertise is valued.

The Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will also get:

• Flexible Working
• Extra Day of Holiday for your Birthday
• Annual Bonus ReviewPension Scheme(s)
• Life Assurance
• Eye Tests
• Flu Jabs
• Legal Support
• Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials