Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory. We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024. With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. The department We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within the country, numbering over 100 specialists across five offices. Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters. We are increasingly advising high value, high profile transactions and clients. Our lawyers come from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, other major national and regional firms, industry and local government and include individuals with construction, planning and commercial expertise. The depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions and provide a sector based offering for our clients. It also means there is support and opportunity across the Real Estate spectrum. The Ipswich team itself comprises around 25 colleagues from a variety of career backgrounds and a wide range of skills and experience. The team is broadly structured into sub-groups according to principal work type, but with a fluidity to ensure individuals have the opportunity to gain experience in all areas. This ensures support at all levels, mentoring, regular communication and a clear route for advancement. The objective is that colleagues have a clear role but the opportunity to develop and make the role “their own”. Accountabilities 1 - 4 PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm with experience in some or all of the following: Commercial landlord and tenant work Investment and asset management General commercial property development Experience of acting for banks and/or borrowers in secured lending matters Knowledge of providing property support as part of corporate transactions The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits. However, the team is keen to recruit someone who will initially undertake work referred down from the Partners and Senior Associates and provide clients with good value services. The candidate The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of the law yet be able to think commercially and analytically so as to provide accurate and practical advice to company clients and high net worth individuals which is tailored to their needs An interest in and aptitude for business development is welcomed. Birketts has designed a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. Promotion is based on assessment of your performance, competency and achievements all of which is openly and clearly set out in our Talent Management Framework. This transparency is important to us and our culture and is well received by all colleagues. We actively encourage development, with a regular dialogue between individuals and supervisors to discuss career goals and aspirations. All employees within the team have a ‘buddy’ to monitor work type and provide support. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious commercial property lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an enviable reputation and can offer excellent career prospects. Equal opportunities We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process. Benefits One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support. 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays rising with service Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service Private Healthcare - BUPA (offered after probation is passed) Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee) Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share) Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance Paid ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) day Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave Season Ticket Loan Gym Flex membership Electric car scheme Dress for your Day Policy Agile Working Policy