Property Litigation Lawyer – Bristol city centre

We are recruiting a Property Litigation Lawyer to join our growing and successful Dispute Resolution department based in our Bristol city centre office.

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 team is recognised in Chambers and Partners UK, (Real Estate Litigation) identifying the team’s particular expertise in landlord and tenant, and boundary disputes, relating to both residential and commercial properties.

The role

You will build and manage your own caseload and provide a profitable contribution to the Dispute Resolution department.

On a day-to-day basis, you can expect to be involved in:

Legal work:

• Boundary disputes.
• Ownership/TOLATA claims.
• Landlord and tenant disputes relating to both residential and commercial property, including but not limited to residential possession, commercial lease renewal, enforcement of lease terms and service charge disputes.
• Possession claims.
• Disputes regarding easements (such as rights of way, right to light and right to use).
• Dilapidation disputes.
• Land ownership claims.
• Leasehold extensions.

Admin duties:

• Taking instructions, keeping detailed file notes of instructions received and of advice given.
• Preparing cost estimates.
• Issuing letters of engagement.
• Taking forward matters including drafting and/or considering relevant documents such as pleadings, statements, bundles, costs schedules, applications, and orders.
• Preparing or supervising the preparation and checking of court bundles.
• Advocacy in court where required and appropriate, bearing in mind cost-benefit analysis.
• Agreeing and negotiating terms of settlement and other relevant documents.
• Advising clients as to the progress of matters and incidence of costs periodically throughout matters.
• Dealing with email and telephone communications promptly.
• Subject to Partner approval, giving undertakings in the approved form in specific matters.
• Completing matters in a timely manner.
• Checking files prior to closure.
• Notifying any complaints received in respect of work undertaken.
• Maintaining adequate and up-to-date knowledge of the law and practice.
• Compliance with the procedures in the Office Manual and Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Supervising and supporting other members of the team as necessary.
• Providing advice internally to other departments who have a property litigation query on their matter.

Marketing and business development duties:

• Working on submissions of Legal Directories (Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK).
• Attending networking events.
• Developing sources of work.
• Involvement in marketing strategies and initiatives.
• Sourcing ideas for blogs and case studies.
• Cross-department working to raise the profile and understanding of the work and identify cross-selling opportunities.

About us

Barcan and 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. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.

At Barcan and Kirby, 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

Our ideal candidate will be:

• A qualified Lawyer or FCILEx with experience in litigation and/or property law (including property transactions) and is specialised in property litigation or looking to specialise in that area.
• IT literate and confident in using and adapting to new systems and processes.
• Enthusiastic about marketing and business development, in particular, social media and networking.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday).
• Part-time considered (four days per week).
• 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 and 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 recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.

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.