Commercial Property Solicitor

Edwards Legal; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Commercial Property Solicitor for their York office. This role involves managing a broad caseload of transactions, providing specialist advice on leases, acquisitions, and development agreements while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in commercial property law, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build lasting client relationships. Hybrid working options are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in commercial property law.
• Proficient in handling lease agreements, acquisitions, and development agreements.
• Familiarity with SRA regulations, anti-money laundering legislation, and GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on commercial property transactions.
• Draft and negotiate a wide range of legal documents.
• Manage property transactions, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Participate in marketing initiatives and networking.

Skills

Commercial property law expertise

Strong drafting and negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

Job description

We are currently recruiting for our client an experienced Commercial Property Solicitor for our York office. This is a vital role in delivering efficient, high‑quality legal services within the firm’s Commercial Property department. Working closely with the Head of Department and Directors, the successful candidate will manage a broad and varied caseload of commercial property transactions, providing specialist advice on leases, acquisitions, disposals and development agreements while ensuring compliance with internal quality procedures and external regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on commercial property issues including lease agreements, acquisitions, disposals, development projects and financing arrangements.
• Draft, negotiate and review a range of legal documents—contracts, leases, licences and title reports—ensuring clarity and compliance with current legislation.
• Conduct detailed due diligence on transactions, raise and respond to legal enquiries and advise on risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage property transactions from instruction to post‑completion, liaising with clients, lenders, surveyors, agents and other professionals to secure seamless coordination.
• Perform legal research to inform advice, remain compliant with regulatory frameworks and stay updated on legislative changes impacting the commercial property sector.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and ensuring a high standard of client care throughout the matter lifecycle.
• Participate in marketing initiatives and events, including networking with external stakeholders, referrers and industry professionals to generate new business.
• Contribute to campaigns, thought leadership and client‑focused initiatives that raise the firm’s profile in the commercial property market.
• Encourage client loyalty and repeat business by delivering commercially sound, client‑focused legal solutions.
• Identify market trends and emerging client needs to inform service development and improve delivery of legal solutions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the property and corporate teams to provide a joined‑up service for clients with cross‑disciplinary needs.
• Supervise, delegate to and mentor legal assistants, trainees and administrative staff, fostering a supportive and high‑performing team culture.
• Share knowledge and best practices within the team to contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Participate in internal team and inter‑departmental meetings to share insights, coordinate workloads and support departmental goals.
• Assist other departments, particularly the Corporate Department, with property‑related aspects of wider commercial transactions when required.
• Oversee the work of junior team members, providing feedback, guidance and training to aid professional development.
• Monitor performance against agreed departmental targets and key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting on progress and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to strategic planning, attending regular departmental meetings to inform decision‑making and operational improvements.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure client matters are progressed promptly and efficiently, balancing quality with productivity.
• Uphold quality assurance standards by ensuring compliance with the firm’s policies, procedures and regulatory obligations.

Professional Development and Compliance

• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of property law, planning regulations and commercial developments through CPD, legal updates and industry publications.
• Ensure all legal work is compliant with SRA regulations, anti‑money laundering legislation, GDPR and the firm’s internal policies.
• Identify and engage in relevant training and development opportunities to enhance legal, technical and commercial acumen.
• Encourage a culture of ethical and responsible legal practice within the department and across the firm.
• Proactively seek client and peer feedback to inform personal development and maintain service excellence.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with a minimum of 2 years post‑qualification experience in commercial property law.
• Proficient in handling a wide range of commercial property matters, including leases, acquisitions, disposals and development agreements.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct and other relevant regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong team player with a collaborative approach to work.
• Exceptional organisational skills, capable of managing multiple cases simultaneously and meeting deadlines.

Location: York. Salary: £40,000 to £80,000. Working hours: Monday‑Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Hybrid working available. Full‑time (part‑time considered).