Full job descriptionCommercial Property SolicitorLocation: Chelmsford, Essex
Department: Commercial Property
Reports To: Head of Commercial Property / Partner
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Commercial Property Solicitor to join our growing team in Chelmsford. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of commercial property matters, providing practical, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base including developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders, and business owners. The role offers excellent opportunities for career progression, client development, and involvement in high-value transactions.
Key Responsibilities*Manage a broad caseload of commercial property transactions from instruction to completion.
*Advise clients on:
*Commercial acquisitions and disposals.
*Freehold and leasehold transactions.
*Landlord and tenant matters.
*Property investment and portfolio management.
*Development and regeneration projects.
*Property finance and secured lending.
*Draft, review, and negotiate:
*Commercial leases.
*Agreements for lease.
*Licences to assign, alter, or underlet.
*Sale and purchase agreements.
*Development agreements and ancillary documentation.
*Conduct title investigations, due diligence, and risk assessments.
*Liaise with clients, agents, lenders, surveyors, local authorities, and other professional advisers.
*Provide clear, commercially focused legal advice and practical solutions.
*Maintain excellent client relationships and identify opportunities for cross-selling legal services.
*Support business development initiatives, networking events, and marketing activities.
*Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, trainees, or support staff where appropriate.
Candidate RequirementsEssential*Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
*Minimum 3 years’ PQE in Commercial Property (flexible depending on experience).
*Proven experience handling commercial property matters independently.
*Strong technical knowledge of UK commercial property law.
*Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
*Ability to manage competing deadlines and a varied caseload.
*Strong client care and relationship management skills.
*Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable*Experience acting for developers, investors, lenders, and corporate occupiers.
*Existing client following or business development experience.
*Experience supervising junior team members.
*Knowledge of agricultural, development, or secured lending work.
Personal Attributes*Professional and proactive approach.
*Strong attention to detail.
*Team player with the ability to work autonomously.
*Client-focused and commercially driven.
*Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
*Confident communicator and relationship builder.
Benefits*Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
*Hybrid working opportunities.
*Pension scheme.
*Private healthcare (subject to firm policy).
*Generous annual leave entitlement.
*Ongoing professional development and training.
*Clear career progression pathway.
*Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)*Achievement of annual billing and fee income targets.
*Client satisfaction and retention.
*Matter turnaround times and efficiency.
*Business development contributions.
*Compliance with regulatory and risk management procedures.
*Contribution to team growth and mentoring initiatives.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
A commercially astute solicitor who can confidently manage complex property transactions, build strong client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of a leading Chelmsford-based commercial property practice