Associate - Commercial Property

An opportunity has arisen to join our client's Real Estate practice based in Southampton. They are keen to hear from Commercial Property Solicitors with a varied background across commercial property matters. The team advises a wide range of clients including investors, developers, lenders, occupiers, public bodies and charitable organisations, and has a strong reputation within the market.

This position offers exposure to a mix of public and private sector instructions. The successful candidate will be involved in matters such as retail leasing, mixed-use development projects, transactional due diligence and client support, working alongside senior colleagues where appropriate. You will assist on significant, high-value transactions for well-established clients in a busy and collaborative environment. The role provides scope to manage matters independently while also contributing as part of a broader team.

Our client offers a strong platform for professional growth, enabling you to further develop both your technical legal expertise and your profile in business development within a positive and well-supported team culture.

Although you will be part of a wider real estate group operating across several offices (including London, Oxford, Reading and Cardiff), your day-to-day work will be based within the Southampton real estate team. The role offers the opportunity to build long-standing client relationships and establish a strong regional presence, supported by a genuine commitment to work/life balance and long-term career development.

The role involves working closely with all members of the commercial property team. Typical responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of property documentation, including contracts, leases, licences, transfers and deeds
• Managing or supporting transactions from instruction through to completion
• Carrying out due diligence by reviewing title documentation, raising enquiries and analysing search results
• Communicating with clients and counterpart solicitors throughout transactions
• Arranging indemnity insurance, including liaising with brokers and insurers
• Conducting legal research as required
• Attending client meetings and multi-party discussions
• Contributing to marketing and business development initiatives

Applicants are likely to have trained or practised at a reputable regional or national firm, with exposure to high-quality commercial property work such as retail leasing and development projects. Experience in property finance and/or development work would be advantageous.

Our client is looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• A confident and approachable manner
• Strong technical legal skills
• Commercial awareness
• Relevant sector knowledge
• The ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non-legal audiences
• A collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork
• Flexibility and resilience
• Enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the practice and its sectors
• Strong client relationship skills across all forms of communication
• Drive, motivation and ambition