Knowledge Development Lawyers (KDLs) at Charles Russell Speechlys are experts within their field, and they support and facilitate knowledge sharing within their area of expertise. Knowledge directly supports the firm’s ambition to undertake complex, challenging, high-value work and deliver exceptional client service. KDLs have the responsibility of developing our unique, knowledge-sharing culture within the Firm which in turn drives efficiency and profitability. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and KDLs create opportunities to use Knowledge to deepen our relationships with clients, ensuring that Knowledge is a driver for business and is used effectively to enhance our reputation. The KDLs in each Division report into the Knowledge Lead for that Division. Where there is no Knowledge Lead, the KDLs report directly into the Director of Knowledge. This role sits within the Private Client Division, supporting Private Property across the UK and internationally and working collaboratively with KDLs in other Divisions, including in particular, the KDLs in Tax, Real Estate and Real Estate Disputes. All KDLs are expected to contribute to Knowledge-wide initiatives and projects. Role and Responsibilities Internal • Working collaboratively with key stakeholders to clearly identify and develop key internal resources • Drafting, reviewing, maintaining and updating key internal resources (precedents, practice notes, checklists, toolkits, clause banks) • Collecting and reviewing know-how from lawyers, making it available via the Knowledge systems • Working proactively with the Research & Information Services team to identify resources and develop coherent systems and processes for scanning the horizon and tracking legal and regulatory developments • Identifying, developing and, where appropriate, delivering relevant training to lawyers covering relevant legislative and common law updates • Preparing regular firm-wide bulletins on developments with Private Property sector • Supporting the Knowledge Partner with meetings (agendas, content, presenting updates and facilitating Q&A) • Advising and assisting lawyers across practice groups with technical queries and issues, encouraging in all lawyers a confident and competent use of existing resources. • Supporting with CQS (renewal and training), ensuring continued lender panel membership • Delivering Private Property specific training to trainees on seat rotation, twice a year External • Identifying and exploiting opportunities to deliver advice and guidance on Private Property legal issues to the Firm’s clients e.g. through client briefings, client training and other value add services • Identifying opportunities to use Knowledge to enhance the Firm’s reputation within the market including supporting individuals to develop their profiles as thought leaders by assisting them with the drafting of sector commentary articles, technical briefs and short online posts, liaising with our PR team to spot opportunities for thought leadership pieces • Give specialist/technical advice to clients on Private Property matters as part of our value-add offering, including Stamp Duty Land Tax. General • Leading and contributing to wider Knowledge projects and tasks • Such other Knowledge-related and Private Property activities as the Knowledge Lead, the Director of Knowledge, the Knowledge Partner or the Head of Private Property identify. • Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles. Skills and experience • An experienced property lawyer, with 7 years+ PQE, with experience of residential property (including some or all of the following - prime residential property, country houses, landed estates and Stamp Duty Land Tax). We will also consider candidates from a Real Estate background who have awareness of the key legal issues arising in residential property matters or an interest in developing expertise in this area. Person specification • A capable, experienced lawyer with proven effectiveness in a commercial and pressurised environment • Excellent written and spoken communication skills • Strong analytical and research skills • Excellent drafting skills and the ability to flex easily from client pieces to technical legal documents • Ability to inspire confidence at every level of the business • A highly collaborative worker • Ability to quickly develop own networks and use them effectively • Self-aware, capable and proactive with the ability to work independently • Displays a growth mindset and the ability to view challenges as opportunities • Ability to cascade knowledge • Commercial awareness, financial acumen and a business-like approach to legal practice • Desire and ability to be involved in using technology to improve processes and bring efficiency Competencies • Working together • Integrity and respect • Inclusive • Personal impact and growth • Driving high standards • Commercial mindset • Client - centric • Responsible Business