Agricultural & Property Litigation - Associate Solicitor/Senior Associate Solicitor

We are seeking to recruit an ambitious and driven solicitor to join our busy and well regarded Agricultural & Property Litigation team. Whether you’re newly qualified or bring several years of experience, we want to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a rewarding career in a niche and growing area of law, with the support of a nationally recognised team.

The successful candidate must have experience of working with a broad spectrum of property litigation cases, involving commercial, residential and ideally agricultural property.  Agricultural experience is helpful, but not essential – training and support will be provided to help you develop this specialism.

This role will ideally be based at our Cardiff or Swansea offices, but the successful candidate could also be required to work in our other offices on an occasional basis. 

The main responsibilities of the role could include:

• Providing bespoke and highly technical advice in a broad range of complex and high value disputes whilst understanding the client's needs and the commercial context in which they operate.
• Acting for a varied and nationwide client base such as property developers, landowners, investors, agricultural businesses and occupiers on all aspects of property litigation including boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, easements, covenants, wayleaves, public and private rights of way, Party Wall Act and energy/telecom issues.
• Developing a speciality for Land Registration matters, to include acting for clients in claims before the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
• Advising with regards to Town or Village Green applications including those that progress to a full inquiry and in defending applications for public rights of way.
• In terms of commercial property, advising in relation to a full spectrum of commercial landlord and tenant issues such as business lease renewals, service of break notices, forfeiture, CRAR, dilapidation claims and service charge issues whilst always considering strategic and cost-effective steps to better achieve the client’s requirements.
• Advising on 1954 Act issues including whether security of tenure applies to various tenancies.  Advising on the grounds for regaining possession, serving section 25, 26 and 40 notices, including advising on statutory compensation.
• In terms of residential property, acting for landlords in relation to possession and rent arrears recovery proceedings and advising on aspects of enfranchisement and lease extension proceedings under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, Landlord and Tenant Act 1967 and Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
• In terms of agricultural property, advising in relation to the differences between, and how to determine a grazing licence, common law tenancy, farm business tenancy and agricultural holdings, including advising with regards to succession rights and pursuing claims through the Agricultural Land Tribunal for Wales. Advancing and defending tenant improvement claims and dilapidation claims in relation to agricultural tenancies.
• Pursuing and defending proprietary estoppel claims in the context of a farming partnership disputes.
• Effectively managing a varied caseload.
• Working collaboratively with a team of solicitors, legal assistants and secretaries, in order to achieve an excellent and effective client service.
• Building strong relationships with clients and professionals including attending business development and networking activities.
• Acting as an integral part of the team to ensure business targets are achieved.

The position will require you to work autonomously, using your own initiative with the support and supervision from your team members when needed. You should have exceptional interpersonal skills and an eye for accuracy and attention to detail.  You will be able to demonstrate that you are client focused, collaborative and adaptable.

Why join the team at JCP?

·         Supportive culture: Collegiate environment with accessible Directors

·         Career progression: Clear routes for advancement within a growing specialist team

·         Competitive salary and bonus scheme

·         Private medical insurance and health cash plan

·         Employer pension contribution of 4%

·         Cycle to work scheme

·         Internal training and career development opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion at JCP and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone in our communities, and particularly from those that are underrepresented in our current workforce including those with a disability and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Please be aware that JCP Solicitors reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

JCP Solicitors is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is open, fair and not influenced by irrelevant considerations. JCP Solicitors recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, nationality, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or any other prejudice; we therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are strong supporters of the Welsh language and are very proud to have been the first firm of solicitors to be awarded the “Cynnig Cymraeg/Welsh Offer” recognition by the Welsh Language Commissioner in 2021. We support our Welsh speakers and fund lessons for those who would like to learn Welsh.

Rydym yn gefnogwyr brwd o’r Gymraeg ac yn hynod falch o fod y cwmni cyfreithiol cyntaf i dderbyn cydnabyddiaeth y Cynnig Cymraeg gan Gomisiynydd y Gymraeg yn 2021. Rydym yn cefnogi ein siaradwyr Cymraeg ac yn ariannu gwersi ar gyfer y rhai a hoffai ddysgu’r iaith.