Associate

Boodle Hatfield has been providing practical advice to businesses and individuals for 300 years. Our clients come from a wide range of sectors, both in the UK and internationally, and include some of the most well-established owner-managed businesses and property companies as well as fast-growing entrepreneurial enterprises and ultra-high net worth families. Our chief priority is helping our clients achieve their commercial objectives, whatever form their business takes.

Our approach is to become the long-term trusted adviser to leading wealth creators and owners as well as their commercial and investment enterprises. Having a holistic view of our clients' structures and affairs means we can leverage this to provide the most appropriate and commercial advice to them. This approach has enabled us, throughout our 300-year history, to help our clients successfully navigate the continually changing and sometimes challenging markets in which they operate.

To commemorate our 300 year anniversary, throughout 2022 we have been rolling out an extensive programme of activities, each of which sows the seeds for the future success of others – our local neighbourhoods, the wider legal profession, and of course our valued clients and our own team.

The growing Residential team is based in London and consists of 4 Partners and 6 Fee Earners.  We act on high value residential property transactions both within prime central London and regional England.

This position will work within the Middle East side of the residential property team.  The Middle East team consists of 2 Partners and 2 Fee Earners.

Our Middle East team act for international Ultra High Net Worth individuals, families and companies looking to invest in high-end property in prime locations in UK.

We also act for a large number of private banks providing lending over residential property including advising on the structure as well as the property due diligence.

You will be involved in all aspects of residential property transactions including acquisitions, disposals and financing of UK real estate for international clients predominantly from the Middle East region as well as some domestic clients. 

Transaction values will be a mixture of new build properties typically up to £3 million, and high value second hand properties ranging between £5 million - £20 million. Responsibilities will include drafting and negotiating documents, raising enquiries, preparing Reports on Title, responding to a high-volume of emails daily and managing a significant number and time sensitive transactions at any one time.

Responsibilities

Particular responsibilities for this role will include but are not limited to:

• Responsibility and ownership of own files and high volume caseload under supervision;
• Sales and purchases of residential properties (both freehold and leasehold) with financing;
• Dealing with lender enquiries and refinances (on borrower side) and advising clients on standard mortgage finance documents (both conventional UK and Islamic structures);
• Acting for banks (both conventional UK and Islamic structures) on property financing transactions, communicating with borrowers solicitors and satisfying banks conditions;
• Drafting letters / reports / emails as part of a transaction or when giving advice to clients;
• Drafting / negotiating transaction documents;
• Preparation of SDLT forms and registrations;
• Managing own file administration;
• Preparing completion statements as part of a residential property transaction;
• Opening new client files, including completing conflict searches, preparing AML documentation and obtaining relevant documentation from clients.

The role will be pressurised from time to time and candidates will need to be organised and able to use their own initiative and be quick-thinking and flexible in their approach to their work. We are looking for someone who will be able to deal with clients, their advisers and others, in a professional and courteous manner.

• Around 4 years' PQE who has gained experience of residential leasehold property management experience post  qualification;
• Residential experience, including dealing with sales and purchase transactions, mortgages on house, flats and off plan new builds;
• Experience of acting with Islamic banks on financing is preferred but not required;
• A good team player with a willingness to pick up work and support colleagues during busy periods; 
• Ability to manage a volume of active time sensitive files and meet deadlines whilst maintaining excellent  attention to detail;
• Works in a highly organised manner to meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to understand and deal with complex title structures, with support as required;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with both team members and clients;
• Excellent client handling skills;
• Confidence in giving advice, listening to clients and being commercial;
• Self-starter with plenty of drive and initiative;
• The work is fast paced and it is varied. The role requires someone with a lively and analytical mind with good common sense and an understanding of commercial issues;
• Strong academic background;
• Experience gained in a reputable London firm is preferred.

Boodle Hatfield is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment through its inclusive and supportive environment. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the Firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.  We are fully committed to a working environment in which all people can excel.