Commercial Property Lawyer

Job Description

At Howells, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, award-winning legal services with a modern, client-focused approach and a strong local presence. As our Commercial Property team continues to grow, we are seeking an ambitious and motivated Solicitor with 2–5+ years’ PQE who is ready to take the next step in their career. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse client base on a broad range of commercial property matters, while playing a key role in delivering exceptional client service and supporting the continued growth of the team.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Managing a varied caseload of commercial lease and Landlord & Tenant matters, including grants, assignments, licences, rent deposits, and surrenders.
• Advising clients on estate management issues and ongoing property matters.
• Handling acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold commercial properties, both with and without occupational tenancies.
• Assisting with commercial and residential development projects, including site acquisitions, options, conditional contracts, promotion agreements, planning matters, and plot sales.
• Advising on complex transactions including secured lending, real estate finance, agricultural land transactions, and renewable energy projects.
• Providing property due diligence support to the Corporate team.
• Managing more technical matters such as lease extensions, enfranchisement, title issues, portfolio transactions, and compulsory purchase matters.
• Progressing files efficiently to ensure strong financial and billing performance.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while contributing to business development and networking initiatives.
• Supervising and supporting Legal Assistants and junior team members where appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate records using the firm’s Case Management System and ensuring compliance with regulatory and best practice requirements.
• Undertaking any additional duties as reasonably required by your Line Manager or Director.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer, Chartered Legal Executive or Solicitor in England & Wales.
• 2–5+ years’ PQE with solid experience in Commercial Property law.
• The confidence and ability to manage their own caseload independently.
• Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of commercial property matters.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach and strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with a strong client‑focused mindset.
• The ability to build effective relationships internally and externally and contribute to the continued growth of the department.
• Experience of, or an interest in, supervising and mentoring junior team members.
• A collaborative and positive team‑oriented approach.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Leave: Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work‑life balance.
• Gym Discounts: Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
• Growth & Development: We’re invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Milestone Recognition: Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
• Events: Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
• Refer a Friend Scheme: Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team.

Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.