Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Director

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Broadly 2 to 10 years’ PQE (applications considered outside this range)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys being close to live projects, advising commercially, and drafting the documents that keep deals moving, this is a strong opportunity to join a growing national team with a genuine pipeline of work.

Our client is a national UK law firm with an excellent reputation and client base. They are modern and forward-thinking in their approach to work, with a collaborative culture and flexible working.

You will join a national Construction & Engineering team advising across the built environment and process plant, including infrastructure, commercial and residential development, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. The team supports clients across both public and private sectors, and is in expansion mode.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction work, with scope to support on advisory matters where needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drafting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC, institutional forms and MF/1

• Advising on and preparing consultant appointments (standard and bespoke)

• Drafting and negotiating warranties, bonds, guarantees and other security documentation

• Supporting on development and funding agreements, agreements for lease, novation agreements and ancillary project documents

• Delivering a consistently high standard of client service and care

• Managing matters commercially, including accurate time recording, billing, WIP and delivery against targets

• Keeping technical knowledge up to date and taking ownership of your development

• Contributing to business development, client retention and growth activity

What We’re Looking For

• Directly relevant experience in non-contentious construction work (or a mix of contentious and advisory with a strong non-contentious element)

• Training and qualification with a recognised construction team is preferred

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the construction industry

• Sound matter management skills, with the ability to meet client expectations and manage deadlines

• Confident IT skills, including case management systems, electronic time recording and Microsoft packages

• A self-starting, approachable and collaborative style

• Commitment to working in line with professional standards and values

What’s On Offer

• High-quality work with a national client base across public and private sectors

• A team in growth mode with clear opportunity to progress

• Modern, forward-thinking culture with flexible working

• Salary £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits (dependent on level and experience)

Working Arrangements

• Manchester-based role

• Flexible working approach, with details to be confirmed at interview

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Director

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Broadly 2 to 10 years’ PQE (applications considered outside this range)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys being close to live projects, advising commercially, and drafting the documents that keep deals moving, this is a strong opportunity to join a growing national team with a genuine pipeline of work.

Our client is a national UK law firm with an excellent reputation and client base. They are modern and forward-thinking in their approach to work, with a collaborative culture and flexible working.

You will join a national Construction & Engineering team advising across the built environment and process plant, including infrastructure, commercial and residential development, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. The team supports clients across both public and private sectors, and is in expansion mode.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction work, with scope to support on advisory matters where needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drafting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC, institutional forms and MF/1

• Advising on and preparing consultant appointments (standard and bespoke)

• Drafting and negotiating warranties, bonds, guarantees and other security documentation

• Supporting on development and funding agreements, agreements for lease, novation agreements and ancillary project documents

• Delivering a consistently high standard of client service and care

• Managing matters commercially, including accurate time recording, billing, WIP and delivery against targets

• Keeping technical knowledge up to date and taking ownership of your development

• Contributing to business development, client retention and growth activity

What We’re Looking For

• Directly relevant experience in non-contentious construction work (or a mix of contentious and advisory with a strong non-contentious element)

• Training and qualification with a recognised construction team is preferred

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the construction industry

• Sound matter management skills, with the ability to meet client expectations and manage deadlines

• Confident IT skills, including case management systems, electronic time recording and Microsoft packages

• A self-starting, approachable and collaborative style

• Commitment to working in line with professional standards and values

What’s On Offer

• High-quality work with a national client base across public and private sectors

• A team in growth mode with clear opportunity to progress

• Modern, forward-thinking culture with flexible working

• Salary £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits (dependent on level and experience)

Working Arrangements

• Sheffield-based role

• Flexible working approach, with details to be confirmed at interview

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Director

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Broadly 2 to 10 years’ PQE (applications considered outside this range)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys being close to live projects, advising commercially, and drafting the documents that keep deals moving, this is a strong opportunity to join a growing national team with a genuine pipeline of work.

Our client is a national UK law firm with an excellent reputation and client base. They are modern and forward-thinking in their approach to work, with a collaborative culture and flexible working.

You will join a national Construction & Engineering team advising across the built environment and process plant, including infrastructure, commercial and residential development, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. The team supports clients across both public and private sectors, and is in expansion mode.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction work, with scope to support on advisory matters where needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drafting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC, institutional forms and MF/1

• Advising on and preparing consultant appointments (standard and bespoke)

• Drafting and negotiating warranties, bonds, guarantees and other security documentation

• Supporting on development and funding agreements, agreements for lease, novation agreements and ancillary project documents

• Delivering a consistently high standard of client service and care

• Managing matters commercially, including accurate time recording, billing, WIP and delivery against targets

• Keeping technical knowledge up to date and taking ownership of your development

• Contributing to business development, client retention and growth activity

What We’re Looking For

• Directly relevant experience in non-contentious construction work (or a mix of contentious and advisory with a strong non-contentious element)

• Training and qualification with a recognised construction team is preferred

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the construction industry

• Sound matter management skills, with the ability to meet client expectations and manage deadlines

• Confident IT skills, including case management systems, electronic time recording and Microsoft packages

• A self-starting, approachable and collaborative style

• Commitment to working in line with professional standards and values

What’s On Offer

• High-quality work with a national client base across public and private sectors

• A team in growth mode with clear opportunity to progress

• Modern, forward-thinking culture with flexible working

• Salary £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits (dependent on level and experience)

Working Arrangements

• Leeds-based role

• Flexible working approach, with details to be confirmed at interview

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Property Litigation Director or Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £100,000-£150,000 (salary plus bonus and benefits)

Experience: Director or Partner level (strong property litigation background)

If you’re a senior Property Litigation lawyer who wants the platform to grow something properly, this is the sort of role that doesn’t come up often. Our client is looking for a Director or Partner-level hire to help lead and expand a high-performing Property Litigation offering in Leeds, with real influence over strategy, client development, and team growth.

Our client is a national UK law firm with an excellent reputation and client base. They are modern and forward-thinking in their approach to work, with a strong focus on quality, collaboration and flexible working.

You will join a dedicated Real Estate Disputes team operating nationally, advising a broad client base on complex property and real estate disputes. The team is growing quickly, and this hire is central to building further momentum in Leeds.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking a lead role in advising on a broad range of property litigation and real estate disputes

• Building and strengthening client relationships and referral networks

• Playing an active role in business development, profile raising and cross-selling

• Helping to shape the future strategy, service delivery and growth plans of the Leeds offering

• Supporting and developing colleagues within the wider disputes team

What We’re Looking For

• A Director or Partner-level Property Litigation lawyer with strong technical capability

• A proven track record of winning work, with an established following and/or referral network

• Commercial mindset and confidence working with a broad range of clients

• Strong stakeholder management and collaborative approach

• Ambition to lead, grow and help shape a high-performing team

What’s On Offer

• A genuine opportunity to help shape and grow a leading Property Litigation offering

• High-quality work and a strong national platform

• Modern, forward-thinking culture with flexible working

• Competitive package with bonus and benefits (details to be discussed)

Working Arrangements

• Leeds-based role

• Flexible working approach, with details to be confirmed at interview

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Immigration Lawyer – Director/Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £110,000 to £180,000 plus bonus (guideline, depending on following and track record)

Experience: Senior level (Director/Partner), with an established and transferable client following

This is a senior opportunity for an established Immigration Director/Partner to join a high-performing national employment, pensions and immigration practice within a full-service UK law firm.

You will step into a role with genuine platform and backing to grow, influence strategy and build a practice, supported by a collaborative culture and strong cross-referral opportunities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and advising on a broad range of immigration matters for a diverse client base (from SMEs to PLCs)

• Providing clear, pragmatic and commercially grounded advice to senior stakeholders

• Developing and sustaining client and referrer relationships, with a visible market presence

• Winning work and growing a practice within a national platform

• Contributing to business development strategy, thought leadership and profile-raising

• Collaborating closely with colleagues across employment and pensions to deliver joined-up support

• Supervising, mentoring and developing lawyers, helping shape a high-performing team

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Senior-level immigration experience with strong technical capability

• Established and transferable client following

• Proven track record of winning work and developing client and referrer relationships

• Commercial judgement, strong communication and confidence advising at senior stakeholder level

• Collaborative approach and genuine interest in developing others

What’s On Offer

• Salary guideline £110,000 to £180,000 plus bonus (depending on following and track record)

• A genuine opportunity to shape and grow an immigration practice within a national platform

• High-quality work with a broad UK client base

• Strong cross-referral opportunities across a full-service firm

• Supportive, inclusive culture with clear progression and leadership backing

• Flexible working considered

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service UK law firm with a national footprint and a strong reputation for technical excellence and pragmatic commercial advice. The immigration team sits within a wider employment, pensions and immigration practice and supports a diverse range of UK businesses.

The culture is open, collaborative and people-focused, with a genuine commitment to wellbeing, recognition and development. This is a firm where senior lawyers are supported to build, lead and thrive.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Leeds

• Full-time, permanent role

• Flexible working considered

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Employment Law Partner/Director

Salary: Fee-share/Market-Rate (dependent on following and experience)

Location: Leeds (other national offices considered 

Experience: Senior Employment Solicitor/Partner/Director (significant client following or referral network)

A rare opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Employment Partner or Director to join our client’s nationally recognised employment team, based from any of their 13 UK offices. This is an ideal role for a senior employment specialist with an established client following or referral network, seeking to play a key part in the ongoing growth and strategic direction of a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Lead and develop a thriving employment team within a national full-service law firm

• Deliver specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a diverse client base (PLCs, SMEs, senior executives)

• Advise on disciplinary, grievance, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing, redundancy, restructures, and strategic matters

• Contribute to business development, team strategy, and mentoring of colleagues

• Benefit from access to cutting-edge legal tech, a dedicated Professional Skills Employment Lawyer, and in-house Counsel support

What We’re Looking For:

• Senior employment solicitor/partner/director with an established client following or referral network

• Expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law

• Track record of business development and strategic leadership

• Excellent client care, communication, and teamworking skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative approach

• Commitment to high standards, integrity, and inclusion

What’s On Offer:

• Fee-share or market-rate remuneration (depending on following and experience)

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern offices in 13 UK locations with advanced legal technology

• Genuine opportunities for strategic input and team growth

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The employment team is highly ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, providing expert advice to a diverse client base. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements: Any UK office (e.g., Derby Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Bristol). Flexible/hybrid working available.

How to Apply: Apply online or send your CV to Lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com and 0333 996 2882 

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Corporate/Real Estate Tax Associate/Director

Location: Leeds

Salary: £55,000-£85,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 2+ Years PQE

Join a Legal 500 ranked Corporate and Real Estate Tax team that combines technical excellence with a collaborative, supportive culture.

Our client, a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK, is seeking a specialist Tax Solicitor to join their highly regarded Corporate and Real Estate Tax team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside a cohesive team of 15 lawyers, providing pragmatic tax advice to a diverse range of clients including owner-managed businesses, private equity firms, and complex corporate structures.

If you're an ambitious tax lawyer with 2+ years' PQE looking for a role that offers genuine career progression, flexible working, and the chance to work on sophisticated tax planning matters, this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Tax Solicitor, you'll manage a varied and intellectually challenging caseload, providing strategic tax advice across multiple sectors and client types. You'll work collaboratively within a specialist team of 15 tax lawyers, developing your expertise and building strong client relationships while contributing to the team's continued growth and success.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on complex tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions
• Supporting corporate reorganisations and restructuring
• Providing strategic advice on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), VAT, and employment taxes
• Working with owner-managed businesses, private equity firms, and unit trusts
• Developing and implementing sophisticated tax planning strategies
• Handling exit strategies and offshore structuring
• Collaborating with corporate and private wealth teams
• Supporting groups of companies with complex tax planning requirements
• Drafting and reviewing tax-related documentation Contributing to employment tax and remuneration planning
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships across diverse sectors Identifying tax-efficient solutions for clients' business challenges

This role offers excellent variety, working with high-profile clients on complex tax matters, with genuine autonomy and support from a nationally recognised team.

What We're Looking For

• Essential Requirements:
• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 2 years' PQE in tax law
• Strong background in corporate tax advisory work
• Proven analytical skills with a commercial approach to tax planning
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple office locations
• Commitment to a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Passion for delivering pragmatic, solution-focused tax advice
• Ability to manage complex tax matters with attention to detail
• Strong technical tax knowledge with commercial awareness

Desirable:

• Experience in private equity or owner-managed business tax planning
• Additional qualifications in tax (CTA, ATT)
• Experience with international tax structuring
• Track record of business development or client relationship management
• Knowledge of emerging tax technologies and digital tax solutions

Exceptional Benefits Package

Our client is committed to being an employer of choice and offers an outstanding benefits package that reflects their genuine care for employee wellbeing and work-life balance:

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience £55,000-£85,000
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Enhanced pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Life assurance and income protection

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements across 13 office locations
• Hybrid working policy
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Family-friendly policies and support
• Option to work across multiple office locations

Wellbeing & Development:

• Comprehensive professional development support
• Clear career progression pathways
• Mentoring from experienced tax specialists
• Access to cutting-edge tax research and resources
• Opportunities for specialisation and advanced tax training
• Employee recognition and rewards programme

Culture & Community:

• Part of a Legal 500 ranked tax team
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Regular team-building and social events
• Opportunity to work with diverse, high-profile clients Inclusive environment that values individual contributions

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based: Leeds
• Hybrid Working: Supported with agile working arrangements

About Our Client

Our client is a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK, known for their pragmatic approach and commitment to client service. Their Corporate and Real Estate Tax team of 15 lawyers is recognized in the Legal 500, providing sophisticated tax advice to a diverse range of clients.

The firm prides itself on: Delivering pragmatic, solution-focused tax advice Supporting businesses from owner-managed enterprises to complex corporate structures Providing flexible, innovative tax planning strategies Maintaining a collaborative and inclusive team culture

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an experienced Tax Solicitor looking for a role with a Legal 500 ranked team, exceptional development opportunities, and genuine career progression, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch 0333 996 2882 or lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate

Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 + Bonus (DOE)

Location: Leeds

Experience: 3–8 years’ PQE (Planning Law)

A superb opportunity has arisen for a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join our client’s nationally recognised Planning and Environment Group in Birmingham. This role is ideal for an experienced planning solicitor seeking to work on a diverse range of projects within a top-ranked, multi-disciplinary team at a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Advise on Section 106 agreements, highways and other statutory agreements

• Provide guidance on planning, highways, and associated law

• Conduct due diligence for property and corporate transactions

• Handle contentious planning matters, including Inquiries, hearings, and Judicial Reviews

• Opportunity to work on large regeneration schemes and nationally significant projects

• Collaborate with planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and consultants across all development sectors

What We’re Looking For:

• 3–8 years’ PQE in planning law

• Experience with Section 106, highways, and statutory agreements

• Strong technical and commercial acumen

• Experience with contentious planning work (Planning Inquiries, Judicial Reviews)

• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice

• Excellent communication and teamworking skills

• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and passionate approach

• Experience with large regeneration schemes (desirable)

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience (£70,000 – £90,000 DOE)

• Performance-related bonus

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern office environment in central Birmingham

• Advanced legal technology and resources

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Genuine opportunities for progression and strategic input

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The planning and environment group is one of the largest and fastest growing in the country, providing expert advice across all development sectors. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements:

Leeds. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible/hybrid working available.

How to Apply:

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer

Location: Leeds (Flexible Working)

Salary: £65,000-£95,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 4+ Years PQE

Join the UK's largest residential development legal team, working with top housebuilders, developers, and strategic land clients across the UK.

Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with 13 UK offices, is seeking an ambitious Real Estate lawyer to join their Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a team of 80+ lawyers supporting the majority of the UK's top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, housing associations, and major regeneration companies.

If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer with 4+ years' PQE looking to work on complex residential development transactions and build a significant career in property law, this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer, you'll be a key member of one of the UK's largest residential development legal teams. You'll work with a diverse client base, handling both routine and complex property transactions across various sectors.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Handling transactions for housebuilders, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities

• Managing routine and complex property transactions, including:

  • Conditional and unconditional contracts

  • Options agreements

  • Golden-brick and affordable housing transactions

  • Back-to-back sales

  • Deeds of easement

  • Infrastructure agreements

  • Overage arrangements

  • Site assembly projects

  • Service charge and management agreements

• Advising on strategic land matters, including:

  • Promotion agreements

  • Hybrid agreements

  • Collaboration agreements

  • Land pooling

  • Building licences

  • Mixed-use schemes

  • Private Rental Sector (PRS) developments

  • Institutional investment transactions

  • Portfolio charging and acquisitions

• Providing expert advice on VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) issues

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

• Developing contacts with leading residential development land agents

• Contributing to the team's growth and business development efforts

• Supporting colleagues across the HSL sector group

• Participating in the firm's extensive training and development programme

This role offers excellent variety, working with high-profile clients on complex residential development projects, with genuine autonomy and support from an experienced team.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 4 years' PQE in Real Estate/Property law

• Proven track record in residential development and strategic land transactions

• Strong experience with routine property transactions

• Demonstrated competence in handling complex property matters

• Excellent understanding of VAT and SDLT issues

• Strong client relationship management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams

• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

• Ambitious and client-focused approach

• Highly competent with exceptional attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience with top 10/20 housebuilders

• Contacts with regional land development agents

• Advanced knowledge of affordable housing transactions

• Experience in mixed-use and institutional investment projects

• Track record of business development

• Additional property-related qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary (4-6 years PQE: £65,000-£75,000 | 7+ years PQE: £75,000-£95,000)

• Performance-related bonuses

• Enhanced pension scheme

• Life and income protection

Professional Development:

• Extensive training and development programme

• Clear career progression pathways

• Mentorship opportunities

• Support for professional qualifications

• Exposure to complex, high-value transactions

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements

• Hybrid working options

• Generous annual leave

• Family-friendly policies

• Wellbeing support programmes

Culture & Recognition:

• Part of a Legal Business Awards Law Firm of the Year

• Working Families Top 30 Employer

• Collaborative team culture

• Employee recognition programmes

• Commitment to "doing the right thing"

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Leeds office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Flexible working supported
National Reach: Part of HSL sector group across 13 UK offices

About Our Client

A leading UK law firm committed to:

• 13 nationwide offices

• Over 1,000 colleagues

• Award-winning reputation

• Vision to be the best firm for residential development

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer looking to join a market-leading team with exceptional development opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
0333 996 2882 or lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate

Location: Leeds (flexible working available)

Career Level: Managing Associate 3-10 PQE

Salary: £50,000 - £85,000 + Bonus (dependent on experience)

Join One of the UK's Largest Residential Development Teams

Are you an ambitious residential development lawyer looking to join one of the UK's largest and most dynamic housebuilding and strategic land teams? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate with 3-10 years' PQE to join their expanding Leeds team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work with one of the largest residential development teams in the UK, acting for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners, local authorities, investors, and promoters. The firm has been extremely successful with recent national housebuilder panel wins (both new appointments and re-appointments).

The Team

The Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team is one of the largest residential development teams in the UK and is supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams – with 80+ lawyers within the related HSL sector group.

The team acts for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners (from individuals to major PLC regeneration companies), local authorities, investors, and promoters in the residential development and strategic land sectors.

The firm's vision is to be the best firm in the UK for residential development and to grow whilst maintaining a unique culture, where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people remains at the heart of what they do.

The Role

As a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate, you will act for the firm's expanding client base of housebuilding and strategic land clients, working on a varied caseload of residential development transactions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and take an active part in that growth.

Depending on your level of experience, you will handle routine and complex residential development transactions, build and develop client relationships, and benefit from extensive training and support for your career development.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Acting for housebuilders, promoters, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities on residential development transactions

• Handling routine transactions including conditional and unconditional contracts, options, golden-brick and other affordable housing transactions

• Advising on back-to-back sales, deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements, and overages

• Managing site-assembly transactions and service charge/management agreements

• Advising on complex transactions including strategic land/promotion agreements/hybrid agreements and collaboration agreements

• Advising on VAT and SDLT issues in residential development transactions

• Advising on affordable housing transactions

• Building and developing strong client relationships

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the HSL sector group including planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams

• Contributing to business development activities and maintaining relationships with national housebuilder panel clients

• Providing exceptional client service with commercially focused advice

• Managing your own caseload whilst collaborating on more complex matters

• Taking an active part in the growth and development of the team

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 3-10 years' PQE in real estate law with focus on residential development

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong technical knowledge of residential development transactions

• Ambitious, client-focused, and highly competent

• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

• Strong client care skills with ability to build and maintain relationships

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously

• Commercially focused with pragmatic approach to problem-solving

• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service

Highly Desirable (dependent on level of experience):

• Proven track record in acting for housebuilders, promoters, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities

• Good and growing client relationships

• Competency with routine transactions such as conditional and unconditional contracts, options, golden-brick and other affordable housing transactions, back-to-back sales, deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements, overages, site-assembly, and service charge/management agreements

• Experience of complex transactions such as strategic land/promotion agreements/hybrid agreements and collaboration agreements

• Good understanding of VAT and SDLT issues

• Good understanding of affordable housing transactions

• Experience working with national housebuilders or on housebuilder panels

Key Attributes:

• Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals

• Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic

• Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery

• Strong team player who values collaboration

• Adaptable and able to work on diverse and complex transactions

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Commercially astute with excellent problem-solving abilities

• Enthusiastic about residential development and strategic land work

• Commitment to 'doing the right thing' and firm values

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £50,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• Clear progression pathway with leadership support

• Award-winning firm with national reputation

• Part of one of the largest residential development teams in the UK with 80+ lawyers in the HSL sector group

• Work with the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders

• Diverse client base including national housebuilders, developers, housing associations, landowners, local authorities, investors, and promoters

• Recent national housebuilder panel wins (new appointments and re-appointments)

• Extensive training scheme to support future career development

• Further exposure to complex transactions and specialist areas

• Supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams

• Excellent training and professional development opportunities

• Employee awards programme recognising excellent work

• Strong focus on employee wellbeing

• Unique culture where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people is at the heart

• Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards)

• Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard

• Leeds office with flexible working available

• Modern office with excellent facilities

About Our Client

Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow.

The Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team is one of the largest residential development teams in the UK, with 80+ lawyers within the related HSL sector group. The team is supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams.

The team acts for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners (from individuals to major PLC regeneration companies), local authorities, investors, and promoters in the residential development and strategic land sectors.

The firm has been extremely successful with recent national housebuilder panel wins (both new appointments and re-appointments) and continues to expand its client base.

The firm's vision is to be the best firm in the UK for residential development and to grow whilst maintaining a unique culture, where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people remains at the heart of what they do.

The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.

The firm's values are smart, bold, and together, with a commitment to making a positive change at every touchpoint for colleagues, clients, and communities.

Location

This role is based in the firm's Leeds office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly, collaborative team culture. Flexible working arrangements are available.

How to Apply

If you're an ambitious residential development lawyer with a passion for delivering exceptional client service and keen to join one of the UK's largest housebuilding and strategic land teams, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882