Under the umbrella of the Dispute Resolution department are several specialist teams focusing on contentious probate property litigation, employment commercial litigation, and general civil disputes. The successful candidate will be required to build their own caseload of property litigation matters under the supervision of the team’s Legal Director and Head of Department.
Due to the team’s excellent reputation, increased network and the expansion of the commercial services division within the firm, we are looking to recruit a Property Litigation Lawyer to meet increasing client work demands and assist with the continued growth of the team.
The role
You will undertake fee-earning work building and managing your own caseload, providing a profitable contribution to the department in line with the firm’s policies and protocols and to meet your monthly individual fee and time targets.
You will have monthly 121 meetings with your supervisor, and in line with our firm’s culture and aim to nurture and ‘grow our own’ talent, we will support and mentor your own development and progression aligned with the business need of the department and firm.
Legal work
1. Property litigation, including advising and acting for clients in the following:
o Boundary disputes.
o Ownership/TOLATA claims.
o Landlord and tenant disputes.
o Possession claims.
o Disputes regarding easements (such as rights of way, right to light and right to use).
o Dilapidation disputes.
o Land ownership claims.
o Leasehold extensions.
2. Taking instructions, keeping detailed file notes of instructions received and of advice given.
3. Preparing cost estimates.
4. Issuing letters of engagement.
5. Taking forward matters including drafting and/or considering relevant documents such as pleadings, statements, bundles, cost schedules, applications, and orders.
6. Preparing or supervising the preparation and checking of court bundles.
7. Advocacy in court where required and appropriate, bearing in mind cost-benefit analysis.
8. Agreeing and negotiating terms of settlement and other relevant documents.
9. Advising clients as to the progress of matters and incidence of costs periodically throughout matters.
10. Dealing with email and telephone communications promptly.
11. Subject to Partner approval, giving undertakings in the approved form in specific matters.
12. Completing matters on time.
13. Checking files prior to closure.
14. Notifying any complaints received in respect of work undertaken.
15. Maintaining an adequate and up-to-date knowledge of the law and practice.
16. Compliance with the procedures in the Office Manual and Solicitors Accounts Rules.
17. Supervising other members of the team as necessary.
18. Providing advice internally to other departments who have a property litigation query on their matter.
Non-legal work
1. Preparation of bills of costs and obtaining the approval of Accounts of all bills prepared.
2. Obtaining payment on account from clients.
3. Making requests for payments.
4. Obtaining a Partner’s authority for payments.
5. Notifying Accounts of incoming and requested payments.
6. Requesting transfer of money between client accounts and between the client and office account.
7. Referring amendments to bills to Partners for approval and dealing with the formalities for such amendment.
8. Perusing ledger and KPI management systems and taking the required action including ensuring that all client money is placed on deposit when required.
9. Attending review meetings to report on outstanding bills and disbursements as requested.
Marketing and business development (with the established Marketing department)
1. Working on submission of Legal Directories (Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners).
2. Attending networking events.
3. Developing sources of work.
4. Involvement in marketing strategies and initiatives.
5. Sourcing ideas for blogs and case studies.
6. Cross-department working to raise the profile and understanding of the work and identify cross-selling opportunities.
About us
Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.
We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it.
We work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.
We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.
The ideal candidate
1. Qualified Lawyer or FCILEx with experience in litigation and/or property law (including property transactions) and looking to specialise in property litigation.
2. IT literate and confident in using and adapting to new systems and processes.
3. Enthusiastic about marketing and business development, in particular, social media and networking.
Location and working hours
1. This is a full-time role (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday).
2. The role is based at our Prince House office, in central Bristol with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of your probation.
Belonging at Barcan+Kirby
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.
If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing.
How to apply
Ready to apply for this role? Send us your CV and cover letter using the form below. Got a question? Email our recruitment team.
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