Solicitor (Church and Charity Property)

This full time, (35 hrs a week), London based Solicitor role is to work within the largest ecclesiastical practice in the UK. Led by Aiden Hargreaves-Smith, the department advises both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church on an exceptionally wide range of issues that churches may face including parish re-organisations, marriage law, appointment of clergy and the highly complex area of land and property.

As a Solicitor in the property team, you will be working closely with Joseph Reed (Partner), focusing on property matters for our church and charity clients, with a particular emphasis on church land. This will involve dealing with sales, acquisitions and lettings of church land in its various forms and assisting parishes with faculty petitions and the Consistory Court, as appropriate. In addition, the work will include advising in respect of land matters for diocesan church school sites and associated reverter and related points.

ABOUT YOU

You will be able to demonstrate previous experience in real estate legal work with a focus on charity property and/or commercial/residential property. The team have a very strong vocational interest in ecclesiastical law, so you will also be able to demonstrate a good, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the Church of England. You will thrive on understanding the complexity and various nuances of an area of law that many firms do not operate in and enjoy the process of learning, whilst balancing a varied and interesting caseload.

In return, you will be joining one of the best ecclesiastical practices in the country and be surrounded by supportive, knowledgeable colleagues.

WHY US

Winckworth Sherwood is an exciting, diverse, and growing business. We are a full-service law firm with an unusually wide client base, that prides itself on providing highly respected advice across a broad range of sectors and markets. We have particular market leading profile and expertise in a number of specialist fields, not least ecclesiastical law, as well as various real estate markets, clients orientated around social enterprise and private wealth. Delivering a first-class service is key to everything we do.

Our clients range from Church of England dioceses and parishes to well-known businesses and institutions, housebuilders and developers, through to investors, professional partnerships, family offices, the government, not for profit organisations and private individuals - all of which benefit from the flexible, practical approach of our lawyers.

Our people are fundamental to our success, and we are committed to their development and well-being. We actively encourage a healthy work-life balance and flexibility, keeping our people motivated and stimulated to deliver great things.

YOUR APPLICATION JOURNEY

Application review

Your profile will be screened by a member of the WS recruitment team. If you CV is shortlisted, you will be invited to have a short call with our Recruitment Manager, Ash Evans, to discuss your interest in the vacancy. No AI is used in our application screening process! Every candidate who applies to this role will be told if they have been successful or not in moving to the next stage.

Virtual coffee (via Teams)

At this stage, you will get the chance to learn more about our ecclesiastical practice with the head of the department, Aiden Hargreaves-Smith (Partner). Aiden will provide you with some insight into the role and also understand what your motivations are for wanting to join his team.

If there is mutual agreement about the role and your candidacy, then we would look to arrange a formal 1st stage interview.

You will meet Aiden in person and also the partner who leads on the team's property work, Joseph Reed (Partner). During this meeting, you will learn more about the position, the firm, and team dynamics. Aiden and Joseph will also discuss your property experience in more detail and ask any questions you may have.

Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't progressed to the next interview stage, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.

2nd interview (in person)

You will meet Joseph again. During this meeting, you will be set a technical task which you will have the chance to discuss with Joseph, as well as another member of the ecclesiastical team who specialises in property matters.

Depending on diaries, there may also be the opportunity to meet other members of the ecclesiastical team.

Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't offered the position, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.

Offer of employment

If you are successful and accept our offer of employment, we will submit your details to our background screening company (Giant), who will conduct a series of background checks. Once these have been completed and we have separately validated your proof of right to work in the UK, a start date can be agreed, and your onboarding schedule can be planned.