Real Estate Solicitor - Disputes

Real Estate Solicitor - Disputes

Department: Real Estate

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Description Why Bates Wells?

We're an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you'll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we'll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role

• Support a range of clients and the real estate team on disputes involving residential and commercial properties, including both leasehold and freehold matters.
• Work within a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages early responsibility and professional growth.
• Handle a varied and interesting caseload involving:
  • Residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes (e.g. dilapidations, lease renewals, service charge issues)
  • Land acquisitions
  • Possession actions
  • Purchaser claims
  • Enforcement of easements and restrictive covenants
  • Trespass and squatter actions
• Work directly with clients across a range of sectors, including commercial, education, retail, sport, charities, social enterprises, and the not-for-profit sector.
• Engage directly with clients from sectors such as commercial, education, retail, sport, charities, social enterprises and the not-for-profits.
• Contribute positively to team culture, balancing autonomy with support from senior colleagues.
• Take initiative in managing your work and developing your expertise in real estate disputes.
• Enjoy early and meaningful client contact, with opportunities to grow your practice and contribute to business development.
• Be part of a values-driven firm where inclusion, purpose, and impact are at the heart of the work.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload, including residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters (such as dilapidations, lease renewals, service charge disputes), land acquisitions, possession actions, purchaser claims, enforcement of easements and restrictive covenants, as well as trespass and squatter actions.
• Work with increasing autonomy while receiving guidance and mentorship from a Legal Director.
• Establish yourself quickly within a busy team and contribute positively to a supportive working environment.
• Engage directly with clients and build strong, long-term relationships.
• Provide high-quality legal advice with a pragmatic, solution-focused approach, particularly when working with clients with limited budgets.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and seek opportunities to raise your profile within the firm.
• Ensure matters are managed efficiently, meeting the firm's standards for client service and case management.
• Maintain a flexible, proactive mindset in response to changing client and market needs.

Which qualities do we look for?

• You are a UK-qualified solicitor with 2-3 years' PQE in property litigation or real estate disputes.
• You demonstrate excellent technical legal skills and have a clear, accessible writing style.
• You are organised, able to manage multiple matters, and can prioritise effectively under pressure.
• You bring creativity and initiative to problem-solving, offering thoughtful options tailored to clients' needs and resources.
• You are client-focused, with strong interpersonal skills and a desire to build lasting relationships.
• You are motivated to contribute to meaningful work and align with values that prioritise impact and purpose.
• You enjoy working collaboratively and want to be part of a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.
• You are enthusiastic about business development and are keen to grow your practice in an area that makes a difference.

About our Real Estate Disputes Practice It sits within the Real Estate practice working with transactional solicitors to provides expertise across all aspects of the property sector from typical transactions such as acquisitions, disposals and leases to development, funding, finance, litigation and dispute resolution. We act for an impressive array of clients, from the charity sector, where we are market leaders, to commercial organisations and our experienced team are always looking for new and cost-effective ways to provide the best solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
What are we like to work for? Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly. Progressive Benefits: We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.

At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we're committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.