Current Vacancies

Key Responsibilities: 

The role will include but will not be limited to the main responsibilities listed below:  

• Preparation of accurate correspondence and documents through audio and script typing. • Attending and supporting clients in person, on the telephone and via email, providing support in a  professional and friendly manner in keeping with the Firm's standards for client care.  • Photocopying and post distribution in liaison with the Business Support Team. 
• Accurate, efficient diary management and co-ordination of appointments. 
• Working with the Business Support Team to manage file opening and closure in accordance with the  requirements of the Law Society and SRA. 
• Preparation of meeting rooms and refreshments, as required. 
• Providing guidance and support to others within Private Client and across other Departments. • Undertaking specific training when required to do so and overall to have a responsibility towards self development.  
• Ensuring confidentiality of all the firm's and client's documentation and information. • Undertaking any other reasonable duties, as required by the Partners. 

Experience  

• Previous experience as an Administrative Assistant in a Law Firm.  
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 
• Ability to multitask, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines under pressure. 
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential information. • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness and ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

Apply now

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Commercial Property Solicitor with relevant experience to join  our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in assisting our clients with a wide range of  commercial property matters. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and the  chance to work in a collaborative and challenging environment. 

Whilst covering all four offices, the role will predominately be based in our Dorking office.  

This role will include but will not be limited to the following:  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage a diverse caseload of commercial property matters, including sales, purchases, leases and  development. 
• Provide expert legal advice and guidance to clients on complex commercial property transactions,  ensuring their interests are protected. 
• Conduct thorough due diligence and effectively negotiate contracts and agreements on behalf of  clients. 
• Draft and review legal documents, including leases, licenses, and property-related contracts. • Collaborate with internal teams and external parties, such as property developers, investors, and  lenders, to facilitate seamless transactions. 

Requirements 

• Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with a background in commercial property law. • Proven experience (5 years PQE+) handling a wide range of commercial property transactions, from  start to finish. 
• Sound knowledge of property law, including landlord and tenant matters, property finance, and real  estate development. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and  colleagues. 
• High ethical standards and professional integrity. 

To apply for this role please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable to our HR Manager, Pauline Smith.

Apply now

Responsibilities 

More specifically, the role will involve:

HR Administration

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records across all HR systems
• Support the full employee lifecycle (onboarding, changes, leavers)
• Prepare contracts, letters, and HR documentation in line with UK employment law 
• Act as a first point of contact for HR queries
• Monitor absence, annual leave, and employee records
• Assisting with payroll and benefits data information 
• Book training courses and update records 

HR Data & Analytics

• Maintain HR systems and ensure data accuracy and integrity
• Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of employee data 
• Produce regular HR reports (e.g. headcount, turnover, absence trends)
• Support analysis of HR metrics to identify trends and insights
• Assist in preparing data for management reporting 
• Assisting with performance management documentation 
• Contribute to HR audits and compliance reporting

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Assist with recruitment processes to include job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling etc.
• Support onboarding, including ID, Right-to-Work and pre-employment checks
• Support new stater orientation and training set up 

Person Specification

• Minimum 1 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally within professional services (legal, accountancy, consultancy, etc.)
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail 
• Ability to manage and interpret data
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills
• Professionalism and discretion
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach

We are able to offer:

• Full time or part time position, as appropriate.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working arrangements – part time presence on site in our offices is required for this role, but there is also an opportunity for a level of remote working.

Apply now

We are looking for a self-motivated individual to join our Private Client team as a Paralegal.

The Paralegal is an integral part of the team, working to provide administrative support and ensuring the efficient operation of the department. The role will involve working closely with colleagues, utilising your organisational and communication skills to assist with various tasks, manage client communications and maintain accurate records.

This is an office-based role, working Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

The role will include but will not be limited to the main responsibilities listed below: 

• Preparation of accurate correspondence and documents through audio and script typing.
• Attending and supporting clients in person, on the telephone and via email, providing support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the Firm's standards for client care.
• Photocopying and post distribution in liaison with the Business Support Team.
• Accurate, efficient diary management and co-ordination of appointments.
• Working with the Business Support Team to manage file opening and closure in accordance with the requirements of the Law Society and SRA.
• Preparation of meeting rooms and refreshments, as required.
• Providing guidance and support to other DAs within Private Client and across other Departments.
• Undertaking specific training when required to do so and overall to have a responsibility towards self-development.
• Ensuring confidentiality of all the firm's and client's documentation and information.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties, as required by the Partners.

Experience

• Previous experience as an Assistant in a Law Firm.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to multitask, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Benefits

• 25 days Holiday
• 3 Days Christmas / New Year Leave
• Private Medical Cover
• Cash Plan
• DIS & Pension

To apply for this role please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable to our HR Manager, Pauline Smith.

Apply now

The role will also involve advising clients on a range of disputes involving commercial & residential landlords, landowners and tenants alike. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-net-worth cases, dealing with clients both locally and nationally.

This will include but will not be limited to the following: 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload with a focus on property litigation matters, but with the ability also to deal with mainstream contract disputes, as required.
• Manage commercial and landlord and tenant litigation cases, to include, in particular, lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and dilapidations claims.
• Manage residential possession proceedings with a full understanding of relevant housing law and statutory regulations.
• Handle disputes between adjoining owners (trespass and nuisance claims, boundary disputes and the enforcement of restrictive covenants) whilst demonstrating a sensitivity to preserving good relationships between neighbours.
• Manage disputes between developers and those affected by development plans.
• Advise on long residential leases (lease extensions, freehold enfranchisements, rights of first refusal and setting up right to manage companies).
• Collaborate with clients, colleagues, and external parties to achieve favourable outcomes with a particular emphasis on providing in-house support to our commercial and residential property teams.
• Stay abreast of changes in property and contract law, ensuring accurate and up-to-date legal advice.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with a background in property litigation law.
• Proven experience (5 years PQE+) in property litigation and commercial contract disputes.
• Experience in landlord and tenant disputes, both commercial and residential, is essential.
• Experience in handling disputes between adjoining owners is essential.
• Experience of residential long lease work is highly desirable, although full training and supervision can be provided in this area.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic legal team.

• Adherence to high ethical standards and commitment to client satisfaction.

We are able to offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a team of dedicated and experienced professionals.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.

To apply for this role please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable to our HR Manager, Pauline Smith.

Apply now

Downs is a long-established and respected law firm based in Surrey, recognised for our commitment to excellence and our client-focused approach across various practice areas. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional client care and practical solutions. We are currently seeking a skilled and highly motivated Senior Residential Conveyancing Fee-earner to join our busy team based in Dorking or Reigate.

An opportunity for partnership is available for a suitable candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload of residential conveyancing matters from instruction through to post-completion, including sales, purchases, remortgages transfer of equity and new builds. 
• Provide clear, concise, and comprehensive advice to clients, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction process. Maintain regular communication with clients to keep them informed of progress.
• Liaise with clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers, and other third parties to ensure all parties are kept up to date and informed.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements, and other legal documents relevant to the conveyancing process. Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with current legislation and regulations.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of file management, including compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations in addition to firm policies.
• Resolve any issues that arise during the conveyancing process efficiently, using sound judgment and legal expertise.
• Work closely with other members of the conveyancing team and provide supervision and guidance to colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. 
• Stay current with developments in relevant laws and regulations.
• Participate in business development activities to attract new clients and grow the firm's conveyancing practice.

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Licensed Conveyancer or Legal Executive with solid experience in residential conveyancing. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complete legal matters in a clear and understandable manner.
• Profile in case management systems and Microsoft office suite. 
• High Level of accuracy in document preparation and file management. 
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to client care and the ability to build and maintain long term client relationships.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

We are able to offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a team of dedicated and experienced professionals.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Supportive and inclusive work environment.

To apply for this role please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you are suitable to our HR Manager, Pauline Smith.

Apply now