Conveyancing Solicitor

Residential Conveyancing SolicitorJob Title: Residential Conveyancing Solicitor Location: Chelmsford, Essex Department: Residential Property / Conveyancing Reports To: Head of Residential Property / Partner Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and motivated Residential Conveyancing Solicitor to join our busy and growing Property Department in Chelmsford. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of residential property transactions and provide a high-quality, client-focused service to individuals, families, investors, and property developers. This role offers an excellent opportunity to join a well-established team with a strong local reputation and a consistent flow of high-quality work. Key Responsibilities • Manage a full caseload of residential conveyancing matters from instruction through to post-completion. • Handle a wide range of transactions including: • Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases. • Remortgages. • Transfers of equity. • New build purchases. • Shared ownership transactions. • Help to Buy and other government-backed schemes. • Buy-to-let investments. • Auction property transactions. • Review title documentation and identify potential issues and risks. • Conduct and review property searches and enquiries. • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and supporting documentation. • Liaise with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders, brokers, developers, and other solicitors. • Ensure transactions progress efficiently and clients are kept informed throughout the process. • Manage exchange and completion processes. • Maintain compliance with all regulatory, lender, anti-money laundering, and risk management requirements. • Contribute to the continued development of the Residential Property Department. • Support business development initiatives and maintain relationships with introducers and local agents. Candidate RequirementsEssential • Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales. • Minimum 2 years' PQE in Residential Conveyancing (flexible depending on experience). • Proven ability to manage a residential conveyancing caseload independently. • Strong technical knowledge of residential property law and conveyancing procedures. • Experience dealing with freehold and leasehold transactions. • Excellent organisational and time management skills. • Strong client care and communication skills. • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. • High attention to detail and accuracy. Desirable • Experience handling new build and shared ownership matters. • Familiarity with case management systems and digital conveyancing platforms. • Existing relationships with local estate agents, brokers, or property professionals. • Experience supervising conveyancing assistants, paralegals, or trainees. • Membership of the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) or experience working within a CQS-accredited firm. Personal Attributes • Client-focused and service-driven. • Professional, approachable, and personable. • Strong problem-solving abilities. • Commercially aware with a proactive approach. • Team player with the ability to work independently. • Highly organised and detail-oriented. • Committed to delivering excellent outcomes for clients. Benefits • Competitive salary and bonus scheme. • Hybrid and flexible working opportunities. • Pension scheme. • Private healthcare (subject to eligibility). • Generous annual leave entitlement. • Ongoing training and professional development. • Clear career progression opportunities. • Supportive and collaborative working environment. • Modern Chelmsford office with strong administrative support. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Achievement of fee income and billing targets. • Number of transactions completed. • Matter turnaround times and progression rates. • Client satisfaction and feedback scores. • Compliance with regulatory and lender requirements. • Effective file management and risk control. • Contribution to business development and referral relationships. Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be a confident and technically proficient Residential Conveyancing Solicitor with a strong commitment to client care and service excellence. They will be capable of managing a busy caseload independently, maintaining strong relationships with clients and referrers, and contributing to the continued success and growth of the firm's Chelmsford property team.