By Holly Pilot
As part of my training contract at Ralli Solicitors LLP, I recently completed my seat in the Commercial Property department, where I gained valuable hands-on experience across a wide range of property transactions.
From managing purchases and sales to dealing with more unusual property matters, my time in the department gave me the opportunity to develop my legal knowledge and practical skills.
Here, I share an insight into my day-to-day responsibilities and what I learnt during my commercial property seat.
What does a commercial property trainee solicitor do?
As a trainee in this department no day was the same, although the majority of my time was spent working on purchase, sale and refinance files each one had to be treated completely individually as each property comes with its own array of rights and particulars.
Working on commercial property purchases
When working on purchase files, my responsibilities included reviewing all title documentation, ordering searches, raising enquiries, obtaining further information and indemnity policies, and reporting to both the client and lender.
I was also responsible for dealing with lenders’ requirements and completing all necessary post-completion matters within the required timeframes, including Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Land Transaction Tax (LTT), Companies House registrations and applications to HM Land Registry.
Throughout this process, I learnt how important it was to keep clients’ post-completion plans in mind. Although certain rights, covenants, restrictions or notices may not directly affect a client’s use of the property, they could have implications for its future saleability or refinancing options.
Managing commercial property sales
When dealing with property sales, my responsibilities included obtaining all title documentation and preparing the contract and full contract pack, including the Title Register, Title Plan, relevant deeds, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and property information forms or Commercial Property Standard Enquiries.
I also dealt with replies to enquiries, redeeming registered charges and completing post-completion requirements, such as discharging registered charges and dating the legal transfer of the property.
Again, I had to ensure that everything was carried out with the client’s best interests in mind. As our clients’ sales were not normally dependent on a related purchase, the priority was often to progress matters efficiently and achieve completion as soon as possible.
Gaining valuable experience in commercial property law
During my commercial property seat, I dealt with a vast array of matters from unregistered properties, adverse possession applications, flying freeholds, absent leaseholders, and transfers of parts allowing me to deepen my property knowledge extensively and I believe this will help in my commercial litigation seat and career as a whole.
I’m proud to have had a client leave a five-star Google Review specifically mentioning the support I provided:
“Holly Did a fantastic Job of keeping me up to date and helping work through my property sale until completion. Couldn’t recommend Holly Enough.”
Applying for a commercial property legal traineeship
For anyone considering a career in commercial property law, my advice would be to look for a firm where you’ll feel supported, valued and given the opportunity to develop your skills.
If you’re interested in pursuing a training contract and gaining experience in commercial property law at Ralli Solicitors LLP, please get in touch with Gareth Jones to find out more about potential opportunities.
You can also learn more about our Commercial Property services and the firm on our website: ralli.co.uk/practice-areas/corporate-law/commercial-property
