Ecclesiastical Property Lawyer

This full time, (35 hrs a week), London based ecclesiastical property lawyer vacancy is to work within the largest ecclesiastical practice in the UK.  The team advises the Church of England at every level and on every kind of issue that churches may face. Our specialist lawyers also advise a wide range of clients of other denominations and faith-based charities.

As a lawyer in the team, you will be focusing on property matters relating to church land, dealing with church yards and buildings on planning/operational changes to the use of the property, and sales/purchases. You will be undertaking an exceptional variety of high-quality property transactions including charity property disposals and acquisitions, commercial leases, assisting with major development projects and a range of unusual and interesting instructions.

You will be able to demonstrate previous experience in real estate legal work (commercial and residential property), and/or have experience working in an ecclesiastical practice. 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.

Winckworth Sherwood is an exciting, diverse, and growing business. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse client base, that prides itself on providing market-leading advice across a broad range of sectors and markets. Delivering a first-class service is key to everything we do.

Our clients range from some of the UK’s largest businesses and institutions, housebuilders and developers through to investors, professional partnerships, family offices, not for profit organisations and private individuals – all of which benefit from the flexible, practical approach of our lawyers.

We recognise that our people play a key part in our success and as a result 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.

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.

1st interview (in person or via Teams)

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 taken forward 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.