Your new firmThis is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most forward-thinking and ambitious law firms, recognised for its innovative approach, strong collaboration and commitment to doing things differently. With a clear growth strategy and a culture built around being refreshingly human, entrepreneurial and inclusive, the firm continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading regional practice with national reach.The firm advises an impressive and diverse client base, including household-name brands, high-growth businesses, landowner developers, retailers and investors.You will join a future-focused Property Litigation team with strong momentum, unified by a shared ambition to be recognised as one of the leading regional property litigation practices in the UK. The role offers hybrid working from the firm's Southampton office, giving flexibility alongside access to high-quality work and collaborative teams.Your new roleAs a Property Litigation Associate, you will be involved in a wide range of contentious property matters acting for private individuals, corporates, retailers, landowners, developers and investors. The role offers exposure to technically interesting and varied disputes, including issues relating to development land (including telecoms), property contracts, landlord and tenant matters, dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and breaches of lease covenants.You will manage your own caseload, with the autonomy to take ownership of matters while being supported by experienced colleagues when handling more complex or high-value disputes. From an early stage, you will engage directly with clients, gaining insight into their commercial objectives and broader business interests, and building trusted relationships through high-quality advice and consistent client service.Alongside fee-earning work, you will play an important role in the ongoing growth and development of the Property Litigation team. This includes supporting business development activity, nurturing existing client relationships and contributing to the team's profile within the market. With strong supervision, structured development and encouragement to gain independence over time, this role provides an excellent platform for long-term progression within a growing and ambitious practice.What you'll need to succeedYou will be a qualified solicitor with experience advising on a broad range of contentious property matters. This role will suit someone comfortable handling disputes involving development land, property contracts and core landlord and tenant issues such as dilapidations, forfeiture, break notices and lease covenant breaches.You will be proactive, client-focused and commercially aware, with strong technical ability and the confidence to manage your own matters effectively. An interest in business development and a desire to build lasting client relationships is important, as is the motivation to continue developing your skills and deepening your understanding of clients' wider objectives.What you'll get in returnYou will join a genuinely ambitious firm that invests heavily in its people and provides clear opportunities to make your mark. The firm offers a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment, combined with exposure to high-quality property litigation work and a strong platform for career development.Alongside a competitive salary and performance-related bonus, the benefits package includes enhanced parental leave, employee sabbaticals, private healthcare, wellbeing initiatives and access to comprehensive learning and development programmes at every stage of your career.This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a growing, future-focused Property Litigation team within a firm that encourages ambition, values individuality and supports long-term professional success.What you need to do nowIf this opportunity is of interest, please get in touch for a confidential discussion. If you are exploring new roles within property litigation, but this position is not quite right, I would also be very happy to speak with you about other opportunities. While the anticipated level of PQE provides an indication of the expected experience, applications from candidates with higher or lower PQE are equally welcome.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be JBRP1_UKTJ