Ecclesiastical Solicitor

Department: Ecclesiastical & Charities

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Leeds

Description

We are looking for a Solicitor to join our Ecclesiastical Department, with a particular focus on commercial property and property-related matters for the department's clients.

The successful candidate will manage a personal caseload from initial instruction through to completion, providing clear, practical and commercially focused advice to ecclesiastical, charitable and faith-based organisations. The role will also support the continued development of the department's specialist property offering and long-term client relationships.

Applications are welcomed from candidates looking to be based in Leeds, Sheffield or York.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a personal caseload of ecclesiastical property matters, taking responsibility for files from instruction through to completion.
• Provide commercial property advice to ecclesiastical, charitable and faith-based clients of the department.
• Advise on the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property.
• Draft, review and negotiate leases, licences, transfers, easements and other property documentation.
• Advise clients on the management of their existing property portfolios and estates.
• Undertake title investigations, property searches and appropriate legal due diligence.
• Identify and advise upon property issues arising from ecclesiastical and charitable ownership structures.
• Liaise effectively with clients, agents, surveyors and other professional advisers to progress matters efficiently.
• Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially focused advice which reflects each client's objectives, governance arrangements and circumstances.
• Maintain strong standards of file management, compliance, risk management and client care.
• Manage personal billing, work in progress and financial performance in accordance with departmental expectations.
• Develop strong relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities for further instructions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm where clients require additional legal services.
• Contribute to business development, networking and initiatives designed to strengthen the profile and growth of the Ecclesiastical Department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with relevant commercial property or real estate experience.
• Experience managing a personal property caseload with an appropriate level of autonomy.
• Good technical knowledge of commercial property transactions, with strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisation, file management and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to provide practical, solution-focused advice.
• Strong client relationship skills and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to the wider team.

Desirable

• Experience advising ecclesiastical, church, charity or faith-based clients.
• Knowledge of property matters involving charitable or ecclesiastical organisations.
• Experience advising clients with multiple property interests or portfolios.
• An interest in developing a specialist career within the ecclesiastical legal sector.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Death in service benefit
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• Excellent career development and progression opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Option to buy or sell up to one week's holiday
• Ability to carry over one week's annual leave
• Additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Staff discount card offering savings at local retailers
• Regular social events and team activities
• Staff discounts on legal services