Senior Commercial Property Solicitor (Chester)

Location: Chester

Type: Full-time

Role context

Cullimore Dutton is making a strategic Level 5 leadership hire within its Career Pathway framework.

This role exists to own, stabilise, and develop the commercial property income stream, which is a core part of the firm’s current revenue and future exit strategy. The successful candidate will hold a position of significant influence across the business and will not be operating as a senior fee earner in isolation.

This opportunity suits an individual who wants autonomy, visibility, and responsibility for outcomes.

Level 5 expectation

The role sits at Level 5 (Managing / Leading). The successful candidate will:

• Take ownership of the commercial property offering
• Be accountable for financial performance, billing discipline, and lock-up
• Act as an ambassador for the firm externally
• Influence behaviour and standards beyond their own caseload

Technical experience required

• Minimum 10 years post qualification experience in commercial property
• Strong technical capability including:

- Option agreements

- Overage agreements

- Development-related transactions

- Commercial leases and disposals

• Ability to manage complex matters independently
• Strong commercial judgement and risk awareness

Business development and leadership capability

• Proven ability to win work through relationships rather than price
• Confidence working with agents, developers, accountants, IFAs, and other referrers
• Willingness to protect and develop an existing income stream
• Comfortable mentoring and setting standards within a small or transitional team
• Accountability for financial performance, not just personal billings