Job Description
Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property
Location: Southport (hybrid working)
Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)
Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.
The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management
- Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships
- Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:
- Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land
- Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)
- Grazing licences
- Sporting rights and licences
- Easements and rights
- First registrations of unregistered land
- Security work (single and dual representation)
- Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice
- Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams
- Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement
- Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice
- Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work
- Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy
- Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service
- Experience supervising, supporting and developing others
- Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
- Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
Desirable
- Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector
- Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team
What’s On Offer
- Hybrid working policy
- Bonus scheme and annual pay review
- Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale
- Free individual or mirror Wills
- Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
- Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives
- Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression
Location & Working Arrangements
- Southport (other locations available)
- Full-time, permanent role
- Hybrid working supported
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.
All applications will be handled in strict confidence.