Senior Associate - Ipswich

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.

Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 42% of our partnership.

Our Residential Real Estate team at Birketts is one of the largest and most diverse practices in the UK which is both award-winning and recognised at the highest level of its profession. The team work collaboratively across the Birketts offices adopting a one team approach in everything they do, with client service at the heart of the practice.

The Ipswich team currently comprises five fee earners and five assistants working alongside team-wide support pools (file opening and completions).

You will provide fee earning support for a rapidly growing sector with a focus on technical excellence and business development. Responsibilities will include:

• Acting for a range of clients from from high net worth individuals to corporate entities on a diverse range of residential real estate matters
• Acting on the purchase, sale and financing of routine and complex freehold/leasehold and high value properties
• Working alongside and developing relationships with local agents including high end property finders and estate agents
• Acting on main stream residential conveyancing to support the wider practice
• Providing technical support to the local team members including overseeing and training of junior team members as the need arises
• Being actively involved with developing and implementing the team business development plan
• Ensuringclient needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency
• Maintaining and growing client relationships and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm.
• Leadingand mentoringa team of junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Participatingin networking events,conferencesand other business development activities to promote the firms services

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

• Solicitor, Legal Executive (with practicing rights) or Licensed Conveyancer with at least six years' PQE gained at a strong regional or City firm
• Experience of all aspects of work as outlined in this profile is required
• A proven ability to meet the demands of high value residential real estate matters
• An ability to actively market within this specialist sector and to focus on growing new relationships
• Contribute to thought leadership and sector-focused marketing initiatives
• Ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development
• Established client base or network (preferred but not essential)
• Experience building credibility and trust through effective relationships
• To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, Outlook and digital dictation

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week.

We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
• Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Dress for your Day Policy

You can find out more on our website: