In-House Solicitor

Main purpose of role

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution: To join our busy legal & compliance teams and provide legal support to the Dexters group, working within the customer relations team defending claims against the group and raising claims for larger unpaid fees.
• Commercial and Commercial Leases: Advise on commercial contracts. Over time extend role to assist with the group’s expanding portfolio of trading premises and commercial leases.
• Additionally, working on the management, coordination and delivery of legal advice in relation to litigation (with the opportunity also to work on investigations)
• You will work closely with internal clients and the customer relations team to ensure the timely, effective and efficient delivery of all issues, projects and initiatives, either directly or through the team.
• You will be expected to provide expert and accurate legal advice.

Location: Pimlico/Teddington TW11

Hours: Full time Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm OR part time 3 days per week to be discussed upon application OFFICE BASED ONLY

Salary: C £70,000 subject to experience / pro rata for part time

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor (3-4-5+ PQE) with demonstrable experience in the field of residential landlord and tenant law, property and tenancy- related litigation and general commercial litigation.
• In-depth knowledge of estate and lettings agency law and practice, with a strong commercial background and significant experience with the CPR and county court proceedings.
• An 'all-rounder’ commercial solicitor, but will have specific experience in both litigation and transactional commercial property.
• Ability to interact and work collaboratively with internal clients and establish strong relationships across the business.
• Motivated and ambitious to keep up to date with and share relevant legal and market developments.
• Recognise and provide guidance on issues of strategic, legal or reputational importance and evaluate and direct how they should be addressed and resolved.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing legal claims both for and against the group. Raising claims, preparing all relevant paperwork and case files including defence and witness statements.
• Ensuring court deadlines are met.
• Working with group solicitor on commercial property matters including assisting with commercial tenancy agreements and renewals of commercial contracts.
• Working closely with internal clients and customer relations and providing advice on contentious legal matters.
• Instructing and liaising with external panel law firms and/or counsel for more costly claims, maintaining a cost effective service.
• Delivering continuous improvement in operating practices and processes, including identifying efficiencies, improvements and opportunities to reduce costs.
• Managing legal costs and driving a culture of disciplined cost management and controls.