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.

With a history like ours, we know we are built to last. But this isn’t the time to rest on our laurels but instead a chance to reflect and build on our heritage. We are merely today’s custodians of the Boodle Hatfield name, and we want to create a legacy that our successors will be just as proud of.

To commemorate our 300 year anniversary, last year we rolled out an extensive programme of activities, each of which sowed 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 Litigation team is known for its expertise in commercial, property and art litigation and consists of 4 Partners and 5 Fee Earners. We have the breadth and depth of experience and expertise to resolve clients’ problems, whether domestic or international.

Our commercial specialists guide our clients on issues around contract disputes, professional negligence, partnership disputes and civil fraud. Our property experts provide advice over a wide range of disputes such as breaches of covenants, lease renewals, forfeiture, and possession of land and tenant insolvency. Our art experts provide advice on disputes over ownership, authenticity and provenance, misattributed or damaged artwork, restitution or holocaust claims.

The successful candidate will encounter a wide variety of both commercial and residential property litigation.

The primary role will be to assist the team with property litigation.  

Responsibilities

Particular responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• 1954 Act claims where renewal is either opposed or there is substantial dispute renewal terms
• Commercial property disputes concerning breach of covenant or substantial arrears
• Residential property disputes concerning breach of covenant or substantial arrears
• Residential possession
• Service charge disputes
• Dilapidations claims
• Enfranchisement claims
• Telecommunications Act claims
• Contentious rent review advice
• Agricultural disputes
• Neighbour disputes

Person Specification

The role will be pressurised from time to time and candidates will need to be grounded 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.  This will include meeting such individuals face-to-face on occasions.

• Minimum of 1 year PQE with wide experience of property litigation. Enfranchisement knowledge is useful but not essential;
• A good team player with a willingness to pick up work and support colleagues during busy periods; 
• Ability to manage multiple files and meet deadlines whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail;
• 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;
• Works in a highly organised manner;
• Ability to utilise the appropriate IT systems;
• Excellent academics;
• Experience must have been gained in a reputable London or regional firm.

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.