Private Property Associate (NQ-1 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

The Department:

Our global base includes clients buying and selling family homes, city pied-à-terre, country estates and cottages, clients with international property interests, landed estate owners, residential developers, and both individual and commercial investors building up residential real estate portfolios.

Residential Property

The team advises both domestic and international clients on buying and selling residential real estate, residential development sites in the UK and provides a range of services relating to the acquisition and holding of real estate assets.  In addition, we manage acquisitions in other foreign jurisdictions and co-ordinate advice on tax-efficient structures for holding. 

Many of our clients spend substantial sums on developing and renovating their real estate and we assist in the negotiation and appointment of designers, architects and other professionals, as well as guiding them through the complexities of obtaining the necessary permits. Where properties are to be let out (leased), we advise both landlords and tenants on issues surrounding short-term rental agreements.

Landed Estates

As well as acting on a wide range of transactions including estates, country houses, grouse moors, we also focus increasingly on commercial requirements of landed clients and help implement innovative land use. The role encompasses agricultural, commercial and development elements – as well as working with partners to provide strategic property advice to key clients. Issues range from inheritance tax planning, land management issues, agricultural tenancies, boundary disputes, land development opportunities involving leisure and tourism and the political sensitivities relating to conservation and the environment. 

The Role:

The Private Property team have a high profile in both the landed estates and the London residential property market, and we have a fantastic opportunity for an Associate to join the team. 

With a team of more than 20 lawyers drawn from different areas within the firm, we are able to provide multidisciplinary advice for landowners, whether they hold private rural property, historic estates with houses open to the public, or newly acquired farms.

The role will cover a mixed caseload involving all aspects of Residential and Landed Estates property work. The successful candidate will have a passion for the property market and successful applicants must be able to demonstrate a technical understanding of all elements of property law. This is the perfect opportunity for the right Private Property Associate to really develop their career within a thriving department.

Key skills and experience:

• Be admitted to practice in England & Wales (NQ – 1 PQE)
• Understanding of land and agricultural estates
• Experience of acting on transactions encompassing agricultural, residential and landowner ve development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective team player
• An enthusiastic and engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice
• Excellent technical ability, solid drafting skills and strong research skills
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset 
• A commercial and pragmatic outlook
• Strong IT skills (e.g., Word & Excel)
• Strong academics

The Essentials:

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must 
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact Recruitment Team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.