Private Property Associate (NQ-4 PQE)

About Withersworldwide:

Withersworldwide have been acting for successful individuals, businesses and institutions for over 100 years. We advise clients on their business and personal legal needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the only international law firm for successful people, their families, their businesses and their philanthropic work. With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean we provide coverage that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot.  We continually look for opportunities to ensure we are based in the same locations as our clients and their wealth. We have represented 70% of the Top-100 ‘Sunday Times Rich List’, as well as a significant number of people listed in the US (Forbes) and Asian (Hurun) Rich Lists.

The firm consists of three global legal Divisions: Business; Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Tax.  Each Division is headed by a Divisional CEO and Divisional Operating Officer.  There is also an overarching CEO of the global firm. 

The Department:

Our global base includes clients buying and selling family homes, city pied-à-terre, country estates and cottages, clients with international property interests, landed estate owners, residential developers, and both individual and commercial investors building up residential real estate portfolios.

Residential Property

The team advises both domestic and international clients on buying and selling residential real estate, residential development sites in the UK and provides a range of services relating to the acquisition and holding of real estate assets.  In addition, we manage acquisitions in other foreign jurisdictions and co-ordinate advice on tax-efficient structures for holding. 

Many of our clients spend substantial sums on developing and renovating their real estate and we assist in the negotiation and appointment of designers, architects and other professionals, as well as guiding them through the complexities of obtaining the necessary permits. Where properties are to be let out (leased), we advise both landlords and tenants on issues surrounding short-term rental agreements.

Landed Estates

As well as acting on a wide range of transactions including estates, country houses, grouse moors, we also focus increasingly on commercial requirements of landed clients, and help devise innovative solutions to problems associated with owning country land in the 21st century. Issues range from inheritance tax planning, land management issues, agricultural tenancies, boundary disputes, land development opportunities involving leisure and tourism and the political sensitivities relating to conservation and the environment.

The Role:

The Private Property team have a high profile in both the landed estates and the London residential property market and we have a fantastic opportunity for an Associate to join the team.

With a team of more than 20 lawyers drawn from different areas within the firm, we are able to provide multidisciplinary advice for landowners, whether they hold private rural property, historic estates with houses open to the public, or newly acquired farms.

The role will cover a mixed caseload involving all aspects of Residential and Landed Estates property work. The successful candidate will have a passion for the property market and successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a technical understanding of all elements of property law. This is the perfect opportunity for the right Private Property Associate to really develop their career within a thriving department.

Person Specification:

• Must be admitted to practice in England & Wales
• Understanding of land and agricultural estates
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective team player
• An enthusiastic and engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice
• Excellent technical ability, solid drafting skills and strong research skills
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset
• A commercial and pragmatic outlook
• Strong IT skills (e.g. Word & Excel)

The Essentials:

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 6 month probation period
• 12 week notice period
• Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, dental plan, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café plus more

Information for Recruitment Agencies

We endeavour to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, we operate a preferred supplier list ('PSL') and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is our policy to provide equal opportunities for all employees/prospective employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.