Paralegal/Solicitor NQ-3 years PQE

Commercial, Rural and Agricultural Property, Winchester

Paris Smith LLP is one of the South’s leading law firms with a clear strategy and vision for the future. We are committed to ensuring that clients have a positive experience with the Firm, and to inspire our people to reach their full potential aligned to our values. We are based in offices in Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth with 46 partners and employing 173 members of staff.

Recognised as an “outstanding Property team” and a leader in the South of England, our Property Lawyers have a well-earned reputation for providing sound and pragmatic legal advice across all Property matters.

The Role

We are looking for a talented Paralegal or junior Solicitor or FILEX up to 3 years PQE to join our Property team in Winchester and underpin one of our Property Partners and two senior associates who between them cover commercial, rural and agricultural property (including high end rural homes/estates). Some prior experience with rural/agricultural work would be advantageous, but is not a requirement.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviewing initial instructions from clients;

• Carrying out initial communication (verbal and written) with all parties including clients, other side Solicitors, lenders, and brokers;

• Identifying early issues on instructions and advising on options available;

• Investigation of title, searches, planning position, enquiries and any ancillary documentation;

• Raising enquiries as appropriate

• Drafting and/or reviewing various Commercial Property documents; leases, transfer, security documents, etc.

• Preparing Reports on Title and Lease Reports;

• Carrying out pre completion searches and dealing with completion; and

• Attend to registration of the applicable documents with Companies House and Land Registry (as applicable) within the relevant time periods

• Supporting the partner and associates as required with their transactions

The Candidate

The key attributes for this role are:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Highly organised

• Excellent attention to detail

• The ability to work well, sometimes under pressure, to tight deadlines

• A good team player

• Flexible and proactive approach

• Previous experience of dealing with Commercial Property transactions

• Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

• A desire to learn and develop

• Some prior experience with rural/agricultural work would be advantageous, but is not a requirement