Job title: Junior Commercial Property Fee Earner
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: 1 Year PQE Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £50,000.00
Location: Hornchurch, UK
Job published: 2026-03-23
Job ID: 57861
Contact name: David Hawthorne-Finch
Phone number: +443339962882
Contact email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Junior Commercial Property Fee Earner (1+ PQE)
Location: Hornchurch area
Salary: £35,000–£50,000 + DOE
 
High-quality local commercial work with real progression
 
If you’re a junior Commercial Property fee earner who enjoys running matters end-to-end and wants to build depth in landlord and tenant work (without feeling like a small cog), this is a brilliant opportunity with our client in the Hornchurch area. You’ll join a supportive team, get exposure to a steady pipeline of quality instructions, and have clear scope to progress as your experience grows.

The Opportunity

Our client is looking to hire a Junior Commercial Property Fee Earner (1+ PQE) to support continued growth. The focus is on a broad range of commercial property matters with a strong emphasis on shop leases and related landlord and tenant work.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll manage a varied caseload including:
  • Commercial leases (including shop leases, new leases and renewals)
  • Sales and purchases of commercial property
  • Lease extensions and related advisory work
  • Rent reviews
  • Independent Legal Advice (ILA) where required
  • Liaising directly with clients, agents and other third parties to progress matters efficiently

What We’re Looking For

To be a strong fit, you’ll ideally have:
  • 1+ years’ PQE (or equivalent experience) in Commercial Property
  • UK-qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEx), or demonstrably equivalent UK fee-earning experience
  • UK law firm experience handling commercial property matters (essential)
  • Confidence managing files with appropriate supervision and knowing when to escalate
  • Strong drafting skills and attention to detail across leases and supporting documentation
  • A client-focused approach with clear, professional communication
Technical strengths that will help you stand out:
  • Experience with landlord and tenant matters (particularly retail/shop leases)
  • Familiarity with lease documentation, title review, and transaction management from instruction to completion
  • Comfortable working to deadlines and managing multiple live matters

Salary, Location & Working Arrangements

  • Salary: £35,000–£50,000 (dependent on experience)
  • Location: Hornchurch area 
  • Working arrangement: Hybrid working may be available depending on experience and team needs (to be confirmed)

Benefits

Benefits will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates, but you can expect a package that typically includes:
  • Bonus potential (role and firm dependent)
  • 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (common market standard)
  • Pension contribution
  • Supportive supervision and training to strengthen technical capability
  • Clear progression pathway as the department continues to grow
  • A stable pipeline of work and the chance to develop long-term client relationships

Career Progression

This role is well-suited to someone who wants to develop into a more senior fee earner position over time. You’ll have the chance to broaden your technical exposure, increase responsibility, and progress as your confidence and capability grows.

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

To apply or have a confidential chat, contact:
 
David Hawthorne-Finch
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
 
If you’d like, send your CV and a brief note on your current PQE/experience and the type of commercial property work you most enjoy.
 
All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.