Description
The Property Disputes Team
Real estate is core to Trowers & Hamlins' business, and we have a class leading real estate disputes practice. We act for all principal stakeholders across a range of real estate sectors, including residential and commercial property developers and property companies, title indemnity insurers, institutional pension funds, receivers and insolvency practitioners, housing providers, private investors, entrepreneurs and occupiers of commercial and residential property.
Our specialisms include: rights to light; easement and restrictive covenant disputes and other real property matters; the full range of commercial landlord and tenant including lease renewal, alienation, rent review, dilapidations and other general breach of covenant matters; leasehold enfranchisement (acting for both landlords and tenants); all areas of residential landlord and tenant, with a particular emphasis on residential service charge disputes and tenancy enforcement; telecommunications; and all aspects of property related insolvency.
We take a pragmatic approach to disputes, seeking to resolve these in the most efficient manner possible, and always tailored to the client’s objectives.
Owners of residential leasehold property are able to take advantage of various rights to maintain and increase the value of their assets. It is important for landlords and leaseholders alike to be aware of all the available options in order to take advantage of and respond to these crucial property rights, ensuring that their interests and value are protected.
We act for a wide range of landlords on lease extension, collective enfranchisement and right to manage (RTM) claims as well as advising on the application of the legislation on regeneration and development schemes and on the rights of first refusal legislation. Statutory claims by leaseholders are often subject to strict timetables making it essential that there is an awareness of the rights being exercised, responses required and effect on value.
We also advise leaseholders about the rights afforded to them. Some are only effective when the leaseholders act together, however, leaseholders can act individually to extend their leases and challenge unfair charges. Whether the leaseholders simply want to extend their leases, are unhappy about the current management of the building or would simply prefer to be collectively in control of their own property, it is important for leaseholders to be aware of their options and enabled to act positively. If leaseholders' rights are enforced at the right time not only, can it increase control of expenditure and the way in which the building is managed, but it can also maximise the value and marketability of each leaseholder's flat.
What you will be doing
The leasehold enfranchisement team offers the full range of services in this complex area to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of comprehensive advice.
An experienced Senior Associate is required to support the enfranchisement team which sits within Property Disputes. Work will involve acting for large estate landlords, investors, developers and tenants in respect of:
1. Statutory lease extension claims
2. Collective enfranchisement claims
3. Right to Manage claims
4. Tenants' rights of first refusal
5. Enfranchisement reform
6. Advising a mixed client base from both the public and private sector on enfranchisement issues;
7. Managing statutory lease extension and enfranchisement claims, acting for both landlords and leaseholders;
8. Negotiate settlements with opposing parties and advising clients on any proposed terms in enfranchisement claims;
9. Building and maintaining effective client relationships;
10. Active participation in marketing initiatives;
11. Participating in firm-wide, office and departmental training sessions;
12. Preparing reports to clients;
13. Participating in firm-wide, office and departmental training sessions;
14. Ensuring files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures;
What you will need
The firm has a competency framework for Senior Associates and in particular for this role we require:
15. Candidates with at least 5+ years relevant post qualification experience, or equivalent, gained from a reputable firm;
16. Strong knowledge of freehold and leasehold enfranchisement is essential;
17. Drive and enthusiasm and client focus.
18. Commercial awareness;
19. Ability to work to deadlines;
20. Strong technical and communication skills (both spoken and written) including the ability to write in plain English;
21. Good interpersonal skills, presenting and client facing skills.
Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion. All applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role and will be treated equally irrespective of Ethnicity, Gender (including Trans and non-binary) Race, Disability, Religion and sexual orientation.
As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.