Solicitor - Commercial Real Estate (Utilities)

The firm

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 Bristol, 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: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

The department

We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within the country, numbering over 100 specialists. Within this, the utilities sub team is a growing and dynamic part of the practice, advising on complex infrastructure, energy and utilities related property matters and volume conveyancing for the networks including electricity gas fibre water heat and EV Charge point operators.

We act for a wide range of clients including statutory undertakers, energy providers, water companies, and landowners. Our work spans acquisitions and disposals, easements and wayleaves, infrastructure agreements, and strategic land projects.

The team currently comprises 19 at varying levels of qualification making us one of the largest Utilities teams in England. We act for 11 of the 22 registered IDNO's in the country. We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and timeliness of advice.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nationally recognised team with a strong pipeline of work and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.

Accountabilities

To maintain a case load working on a wide variety of property transactions for utility companies or landowners involving the installation of utility pipes wires and cables for electric, gas fibre and water companies.

• Carrying out title due diligence, reporting on title including enquiries consent and registrations
• Updating and reporting to clients and intermediaries on transactional progress
• Land Registry searches, applications and requisitions
• Submitting searches and reviewing search results
• Raising and reviewing replies to enquiries
• Completing registration and post completion requirements
• Provide an efficient and friendly service to clients
• Obtaining indemnity policies
• Issuing and completing documents via DocuSign
• Play a key role in the growth and development of the Utilities team
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Contribute to thought leadership and sector focused marketing initiatives

The candidate

We are seeking an Solicitor with a strong background in residential or commercial property, ideally with experience or a demonstrable interest in the utilities, infrastructure, or energy sectors.

You will be commercially astute, technically excellent, and confident in managing complex transactions and an enthusiastic team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious property lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation and can offer good career prospects.

Equal opportunities

At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
• Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy