At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward-thinking approach with a client-focused, local feel to deliver a range of award-winning, quality services.
This role is suited to an experienced Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer with strong technical expertise in residential property law. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a complex caseload of residential conveyancing matters, providing technical excellence on higher-risk and non-standard transactions, supporting colleagues with technical guidance, and ensuring full compliance with regulatory and legal requirements while delivering an exceptional client experience.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Independently manage a caseload of technically complex residential conveyancing matters from instruction through to post-completion, including unregistered land, first registrations, defective and possessory titles, adverse possession claims, title reconstruction, complex leasehold transactions, Building Safety Act 2022 matters (including high-rise and higher-risk buildings), properties requiring EWS1 and fire safety compliance, transfers of part, estate developments, new build acquisitions, shared ownership, lease extensions (statutory and voluntary), collective enfranchisement, deeds of variation, easements and rights of way, restrictive covenant issues, overage arrangements, property subject to trusts, bridging finance lender-specific requirements, and other complex or non-standard property transactions.
- Undertake complex title investigations, identify legal risks, and provide practical, commercially focused solutions to resolve title defects and transactional issues.
- Draft, review and negotiate complex legal documentation, including contracts, transfers, declarations of trust, easements, deeds of covenant, reports on title, and other bespoke property documentation.
- Advise clients on complex residential property issues, including restrictive covenants, easements, adverse possession, rights of way, boundary issues, overage provisions, indemnity insurance, trusts of land, and lender requirements.
- Provide technical support and guidance to colleagues across the Residential Property team, acting as a point of escalation for complex legal queries and difficult transactions and offer support and capacity during busy periods or periods of absence/annual leave.
- Work collaboratively with Team Leaders and management to support quality assurance, consistency of legal advice, and continuous improvement within the department.
- Ensure compliance with the SRA Standards and Regulations or CLC Code of Conduct, HM Land Registry requirements, UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook, AML legislation, and all relevant regulatory obligations.
- Maintain responsibility for managing your own capacity while working towards agreed billing, completion, and service delivery targets.
- Deliver an exceptional standard of client care through proactive communication, clear legal advice, and effective management of client expectations throughout the transaction.
- Utilise the firm's Case Management System effectively to progress matters efficiently, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with internal procedures.
- Liaise professionally with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers, developers, surveyors, management companies, and other legal professionals to facilitate the timely progression of transactions.
- Maintain accurate file management, audit trails, and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards.
- Keep up to date with developments in residential property law, HM Land Registry practice, lender requirements, and regulatory guidance, sharing knowledge and best practice with colleagues where appropriate.
- Support, mentor and develop junior fee earners, Legal Assistants and support staff through coaching, technical guidance and quality feedback.
- Undertake additional duties as reasonably required by senior management in line with the needs of the business.
What we're looking for:
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Licensed Conveyancer (CLC) with significant post-qualification experience in residential conveyancing.
- Demonstrable experience managing technically complex residential property transactions independently from instruction to completion.
- Strong technical knowledge of residential property law, including complex title issues, unregistered land, first registrations, leasehold law, easements, restrictive covenants, trusts, and other non-standard transactions.
- Excellent working knowledge of the SRA Standards and Regulations or CLC Code of Conduct, HM Land Registry requirements, UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook, and relevant legislation affecting residential conveyancing.
- Experience dealing with complex lender requirements, title defects, indemnity insurance, and bespoke legal solutions.
- Ability to analyse complex legal issues, exercise sound commercial judgement, and provide practical, risk-based advice.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build confidence and credibility with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Experience mentoring, supervising or providing technical support to junior colleagues is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in using conveyancing case management systems and digital workflows.
What you'll receive:
- Competitive Salary
- Annual Leave: Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work-life balance.
- Gym Discounts: Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
- Growth & Development: We’re invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
- Milestone Recognition: Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
- Events: Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
- Refer a Friend Scheme: Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team
- Discounted Childcare: Benefit from an agreed discounted rate at a nearby nursery, helping to make childcare more affordable and convenient.
Work Location: Remote