Commercial & Licensing Solicitor

Commercial & Licensing Solicitor | NQ to 5 Years PQE

Belfast

Hybrid working

£40,000 to £60,000 plus Market leading benefits and performance bonus

The opportunity

Signatus are partnering with a National commercial law firm in Belfast to appoint a solicitor into its growing Leisure and Hospitality practice.This is an opportunity to build a specialist legal career under the mentorship of three of the most highly regarded lawyers working in the hospitality and licensing sector in Northern Ireland.The role offers something particularly valuable for a newly qualified solicitor or an associate with up to five years PQE: the opportunity to develop a distinctive legal specialism while continuing to gain experience across commercial contracts, corporate acquisitions, property transactions and advocacy.

You do not need previous licensing experience to be considered.

The firm is equally interested in newly qualifying solicitors who have developed a good grounding in commercial law, corporate transactions, commercial contracts or commercial property work through their training seats.You will join a properly resourced department with three senior lawyers and dedicated administrative support. The emphasis is on teaching, mentoring and helping you develop the technical expertise and commercial confidence to become a recognised specialist in your field.

What you will own

You will advise an established client base of businesses operating across Northern Ireland's hospitality and leisure sectors.

• Licensing and regulatory matters: Support clients with liquor licensing applications, renewals, transfers and associated court proceedings, developing the expertise to handle increasingly complex matters independently.
• Commercial contracts: Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements that support the day to day operations and commercial objectives of hospitality businesses.
• Corporate acquisitions: Assist with the acquisition and disposal of hospitality businesses, working alongside experienced colleagues on transactional and regulatory considerations.
• Commercial property: Advise on property leases, premises arrangements and related transactions affecting hospitality operators.
• Client advice and advocacy: Develop trusted relationships with business owners and commercial stakeholders while gaining practical exposure to licensing advocacy and court procedures.
• Professional development: Over your first 6 to 12 months, progressively build the knowledge, confidence and practical experience required to manage specialist matters with increasing autonomy.

You will work directly with experienced senior lawyers who are invested in your development.

What we are looking for

Must have

• Qualified solicitor, approaching qualification or with up to five years PQE.
• A good grounding in commercial legal work, gained through training seats or post qualification experience.
• Exposure to one or more relevant areas such as commercial contracts, corporate acquisitions, commercial property or regulatory matters.
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical abilities.
• Commercial awareness, good communication skills and a genuine interest in developing expertise within hospitality and leisure law.

Helpful but not essential

• Experience in liquor licensing, hospitality law or related regulatory work.
• Exposure to court advocacy, corporate transactions or commercial property leases.

Licensing is a skill you can learn here. We are more interested in your commercial foundations, potential and enthusiasm for building a specialist career.

What you will receive?

Learn from recognised specialists

The opportunity to work directly with three highly regarded senior lawyers is a significant attraction.You will benefit from their collective experience, established client relationships and practical understanding of licensing, commercial transactions and hospitality businesses.This is not a position where you will be expected to develop specialist knowledge without support. Mentoring and technical development are central to the opportunity.

Build a valuable niche practice

Hospitality and licensing law combines several disciplines, allowing you to develop a practice that includes commercial contracts, acquisitions, property, regulation and advocacy.For a solicitor with a general commercial background, this offers the chance to establish expertise in a distinctive legal sector while retaining variety in your work.

Join a properly resourced team

You will work alongside three senior lawyers and have the benefit of a dedicated licensing PA supporting the department.This structure provides access to experienced legal guidance and administrative support as you develop your own responsibilities.

An attractive remuneration and benefits package

The salary range is £40,000 to £60,000, depending on experience, with £40,000 available at newly qualified level.

• Performance related bonus.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support including financed fertility support.
• Enhanced parental leave fully paid.
• Employee sabbatical opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Comprehensive professional development and training.
• Private pension

Long term career development

The practice has ambitious growth plans and offers the opportunity to develop client relationships, build specialist knowledge and take on increasing responsibility as your career progresses.

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