Residential Conveyancing Solicitor / Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Gravesend; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare after six months

Workplace pension

Staff discounts on legal services

Staff introduction bonuses

Annual attendance-related bonus

Firmwide social events

Dedicated secretarial support

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced Residential Conveyancing Solicitor or Associate for our Kent practice in Gravesend. You will manage a varied caseload from instruction through to completion, with potential to undertake commercial property work.

You will work with minimal supervision, supported by an experienced team and secretarial staff, handling freehold/leasehold transactions, SDLT knowledge, and Land Registry processes.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales.
• Substantial Residential Conveyancing experience in a UK practice.
• Ability to manage a full caseload independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong freehold and leasehold experience.
• Experience handling transactions from instruction through to post-completion.
• Good knowledge of SDLT and Land Registry procedures.
• Experience with transfers of equity and remortgages.
• Strong drafting and title-review skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise work in a busy environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Commercial awareness and a view to business development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Managing Property matters from initial instruction through to completion.
• Reviewing titles, searches, enquiries, contracts and mortgage documents.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, transfers, leases and supporting documents.
• Advising clients on legal and practical issues arising during transactions.
• Managing exchanges, completions and post-completion requirements.
• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers and other solicitors.
• Maintaining accurate and compliant files.
• Meeting deadlines and regulatory requirements.
• Developing relationships with professional contacts and introducers.
• Participating in business-development activity.
• Supporting the wider Property team when required.

Skills

Client communication

Organisation

Attention to detail

Time management

Team collaboration

Client relationship management

Education

Solicitor qualification in England & Wales

Tools

Land Registry procedures

SDLT awareness

Job description

Residential Conveyancing Solicitor / Associate

Location: Gravesend area, Kent
Salary: £50,000 to £65,000, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Working Pattern: Office-based/Hybrid

The Opportunity

An established Kent law firm is seeking an experienced and proactive Residential Conveyancing Solicitor or Associate to join its busy and expanding Property team.

You will manage a varied caseload of residential property matters from instruction through to completion and post-completion, with opportunities to undertake Commercial Property work where required.

The successful candidate will have substantial autonomy over their files, supported by an experienced team and dedicated secretarial assistance.

This opportunity would suit a technically capable Property Solicitor who can manage a busy caseload with minimal supervision, maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the continued development of the department.

The Role

The caseload is expected to include:

• Freehold sales and purchases
• Leasehold sales and purchases
• Transfers of equity
• Remortgages and refinancing
• Title investigations and Reports on Title
• Property searches and enquiries
• Stamp Duty Land Tax requirements
• Land Registry applications
• Exchanges, completions and post-completion work
• New leases and lease renewals
• Deeds of Surrender
• Landlord and tenant matters
• Commercial acquisitions and disposals
• Business acquisitions involving property or leasehold interests
• Utilities agreements
• Related Commercial Property matters where required

The exact balance between Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property will depend on your experience and the needs of the department.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Managing Property matters from initial instruction through to completion
• Reviewing titles, searches, enquiries, contracts and mortgage documentation
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, transfers, leases and supporting documents
• Advising clients on legal and practical issues arising during transactions
• Managing exchanges, completions and post-completion requirements
• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers and other solicitors
• Maintaining accurate and compliant files
• Meeting transactional, regulatory and internal deadlines
• Managing client expectations and providing regular progress updates
• Working efficiently across a busy caseload
• Developing relationships with professional contacts and introducers
• Participating in business-development activity
• Supporting the wider Property team where required

About You

To be considered, you should ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales
• Substantial Residential Conveyancing experience gained within a UK Legal Practice
• The ability to manage a full caseload independently and with minimal supervision
• Strong freehold and leasehold experience
• Experience handling transactions from instruction through to post-completion
• Good knowledge of SDLT and Land Registry procedures
• Experience with transfers of equity and remortgages
• Strong technical drafting and title-review skills
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• The ability to prioritise work in a busy environment
• Strong written and verbal communication
• A practical and client-focused approach
• Commercial awareness and an interest in business development
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and support staff

Commercial Property experience would be highly advantageous, particularly experience involving:

• Commercial freehold and leasehold acquisitions or disposals
• Grants and renewals of commercial leases
• Landlord and tenant matters
• Deeds of Surrender
• Refinancing
• Business acquisitions
• Utilities agreements

Applications may also be considered from Licensed Conveyancers or Chartered Legal Executives who can demonstrate the required technical knowledge, autonomy and breadth of experience.

Salary and Benefits

The firm offers:

• A salary of £50,000 to £65,000, depending on experience
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare after six months, subject to opting into the scheme
• Workplace pension
• Staff discounts on the firm’s legal services
• Discounts on legal services for immediate family members
• Staff-introduction bonuses, subject to terms
• An annual attendance-related bonus
• Firmwide summer and Christmas social events
• Dedicated secretarial support
• A varied and established Property caseload
• Opportunities to undertake Commercial Property work
• Scope to contribute to business development and departmental growth
• A friendly and supportive team environment

The firm’s published careers information confirms benefits including 25 days’ holiday, optional private healthcare through AXA after six months, a Scottish Widows pension and discounts on legal services. [hatten-wyatt.com]

Candidates offering strong Commercial Property experience, an established referral network, significant fee-generation capability or experience supervising colleagues may justify consideration towards the upper end of the salary range.

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time, office-based role in the Gravesend area with potential Hybrid working available DOE.

The standard working hours are:

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Applicants should therefore be able to commute reliably to the Gravesend area.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position may appeal if you are seeking:

• Ownership of a varied Property caseload
• A combination of Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property exposure
• Dedicated secretarial support
• Direct client and professional-referrer contact
• A supportive and established Property team
• Opportunities to contribute to business development
• A competitive salary and established benefits package
• Long-term professional development within a respected Kent Legal Practice

Equal Opportunities

Applications are welcomed from Property professionals of all backgrounds. Every application will be considered according to the skills, experience and suitability demonstrated for the position.

Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment process.