Residential Development Legal Director / Senior Associate

Location: Reading or Guildford (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Residential Development)

If you’re a residential development lawyer who enjoys the land acquisition side of the market and wants to work on complex, high-value projects, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading team advising housebuilders nationally.

This role suits a Senior Associate or Legal Director who is confident running matters, enjoys building trusted relationships with clients, and wants a clear pathway to progress as part of a large, specialist residential development unit.

You’ll join a specialist residential development team that works exclusively with housebuilders, advising on a broad range of land acquisition and strategic development matters across England and Wales. You’ll have the support of a wider specialist group (including planning, construction and litigation) and an established plot team, allowing you to focus on land and development work.

This is a growth hire, with genuine long-term progression for lawyers who want to build a career in residential development and take on increasing responsibility.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on complex and large-scale land acquisitions for residential development projects

• Working on collaboration agreements between developers

• Handling disposals of service parcels

• Advising on funding arrangements

• Supporting strategic options and urban regeneration work

• Managing matters with appropriate supervision and taking ownership of transactions

• Building strong client relationships through clear, practical advice and excellent client service

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong residential development / land acquisition experience

• Experience working with housebuilders

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial advice

• Ability to run matters and manage competing deadlines

• A collaborative approach and interest in mentoring junior lawyers

Desirable

• Experience of strategic land projects (options, conditional contracts, development agreements and collaboration agreements)

• Interest in long-term progression and helping grow a specialist practice

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Hybrid working

• Comprehensive training and development support, including management and career development programmes

• Access to a strong technical support function and learning platform

• Flexible benefits package (grade dependent), including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan

• Sharesave scheme and wider reward options

• Clear progression pathway for ambitious lawyers

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: Reading or Guildford.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David  d.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.

Residential Development Legal Director / Senior Associate

Location: Reading or Guildford (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Residential Development)

If you’re a residential development lawyer who enjoys the land acquisition side of the market and wants to work on complex, high-value projects, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading team advising housebuilders nationally.

This role suits a Senior Associate or Legal Director who is confident running matters, enjoys building trusted relationships with clients, and wants a clear pathway to progress as part of a large, specialist residential development unit.

You’ll join a specialist residential development team that works exclusively with housebuilders, advising on a broad range of land acquisition and strategic development matters across England and Wales. You’ll have the support of a wider specialist group (including planning, construction and litigation) and an established plot team, allowing you to focus on land and development work.

This is a growth hire, with genuine long-term progression for lawyers who want to build a career in residential development and take on increasing responsibility.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on complex and large-scale land acquisitions for residential development projects

• Working on collaboration agreements between developers

• Handling disposals of service parcels

• Advising on funding arrangements

• Supporting strategic options and urban regeneration work

• Managing matters with appropriate supervision and taking ownership of transactions

• Building strong client relationships through clear, practical advice and excellent client service

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong residential development / land acquisition experience

• Experience working with housebuilders

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial advice

• Ability to run matters and manage competing deadlines

• A collaborative approach and interest in mentoring junior lawyers

Desirable

• Experience of strategic land projects (options, conditional contracts, development agreements and collaboration agreements)

• Interest in long-term progression and helping grow a specialist practice

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Hybrid working

• Comprehensive training and development support, including management and career development programmes

• Access to a strong technical support function and learning platform

• Flexible benefits package (grade dependent), including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan

• Sharesave scheme and wider reward options

• Clear progression pathway for ambitious lawyers

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: Reading or Guildford.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David  d.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.

Corporate Associate - Equity Capital Markets 

Location: London or Birmingham (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £140,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Equity Capital Markets)

If you’re an Equity Capital Markets lawyer who thrives on transactional work and wants a role with real visibility, ownership and progression, this is a standout opportunity to join a national ECM team that is growing on the back of strong instructions.

This role suits a high-performing Associate or Senior Associate who enjoys taking the lead on matters, working closely with partners on complex transactions, and helping shape the future of a national practice.

You’ll join a national Equity Capital Markets team advising corporates, investment banks, brokers and major shareholders on a wide range of capital markets matters. The work includes primary and secondary offerings listed on UK and international exchanges, alongside public M&A and corporate governance.

You’ll be encouraged to build your profile in the market, develop your network, and mentor junior lawyers. The firm offers structured career development, technical support and a transparent promotion process for ambitious lawyers who want to progress.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on equity capital markets transactions, including primary and secondary offerings

• Supporting on public M&A and corporate governance matters

• Managing transactions and taking ownership of matters, with partner support on complex and high-value work

• Advising a varied client base including corporates, investment banks, brokers and major shareholders

• Working on cross-border transactions (helpful but not essential)

• Building and strengthening client relationships through clear, commercial advice

• Contributing to business development, networking and profile-raising activity

• Mentoring junior lawyers and supporting team development

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 7+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong equity capital markets experience

• Experience of public M&A and corporate governance

• Proven ability to manage transactions and take ownership of matters

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial, well-reasoned advice

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• Cross-border transactional experience

• Interest in building a market profile and developing new connections

What’s On Offer

• Market-rate salary band: £95,000 to £140,000 (dependent on experience)

• Hybrid working from London or Birmingham

• Comprehensive training programme and technical support, including a strong PSL function and precedent bank

• Structured career development, including business development coaching for future partners

• Transparent promotion process and clear progression pathway

• Flexible benefits package, including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan (grade dependent)

• Annual bonus opportunity linked to individual performance

• Wider learning and development platform with access to courses and skills development

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: London or Birmingham.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David d.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.

Residential Development Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: Experienced residential development lawyer (PQE not specified)

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced residential development lawyer to join a busy, specialist team in Leeds, working at the heart of complex site set-up and infrastructure work for major residential schemes.

You’ll sit between land acquisition and plot sales, helping ensure matters transition smoothly and that infrastructure and statutory processes do not delay plot sales. If you enjoy stakeholder management, technical problem-solving and being close to the commercial drivers on a development, this role offers real variety and profile.

The Opportunity

• Advise on infrastructure agreements arising before and during site development

• Put in place legal arrangements enabling roads and utility services to be laid and adopted

• Help ensure statutory processes do not delay plot sales

• Negotiate agreements with multiple stakeholders to keep work progressing to the developer’s schedule

• Manage client relationships and keep clients regularly updated

• Work closely with internal colleagues across land acquisition and plot sales, identifying issues early and helping resolve them before they impact plot sales

• Liaise with external stakeholders including local authorities and project professionals as required

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong experience in residential development work, including plot sales and site set-up matters

• Confident drafting and negotiating infrastructure and development documentation

• Strong technical ability with a commercial, solutions-focused approach

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to keep matters moving to timetable

• Collaborative working style and confidence working across multiple internal teams

• Strong client care and communication

Desirable

• Experience advising on larger-scale residential schemes with multiple stakeholders

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Leeds location

• High-quality residential development work with a strong, repeat client base

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist residential development capability advising across the full life cycle of new build housing, from acquisition and planning through to build-out and plot sales. The team works collaboratively across disciplines and offers a supportive environment with strong investment in development.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Flexible working patterns are available.

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

Residential Development Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000

Experience: 3 to 5 years PQE

If you are a development solicitor who enjoys land-led work, complex deals and working with high-calibre housebuilder clients, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy Manchester team with genuine long-term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate into their Residential Development team, focusing on land acquisition work for national and regional housebuilders and developers. You will be supported by a wider specialist group, but your day-to-day focus will be on the land side of residential development, with plenty of exposure to high-value, strategic transactions.

The Opportunity

This is a multi-faceted role with a varied mix of work, including:

• Complex and large-scale land acquisitions across England and Wales

• Development and collaboration agreements between developers

• Strategic options and conditional contracts

• Funding arrangements

• Disposals of serviced parcels

• Urban regeneration projects

You will be joining a large, well-resourced residential development group with specialist support across related areas, giving you the platform to focus on land acquisition work and develop depth in this space.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements

• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure, keeping matters commercially focused and moving forward

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined-up service

• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice

• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition work

• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful, but not essential

• Strong drafting skills and confidence handling complex, document-heavy transactions

• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving

• Strong client care and the ability to build trust with stakeholders

• A genuine interest in specialising further in residential development and land acquisition

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Strong learning and development support, including structured training and access to wider learning platforms

• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave

• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• Clear long-term progression, with a strong track record of developing specialists into senior roles

Working Arrangements

Manchester-based role with hybrid working available. Flexible working patterns are supported.

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 are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Real Estate Dispute Resolution Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (preferred)

This is a great opportunity for a property litigation solicitor to join a specialist Real Estate Dispute Resolution team in Manchester, working on a broad mix of contentious property matters.

You’ll run your own caseload with appropriate supervision, support on more complex disputes and ADR, and build strong client relationships across a varied client base.

The Opportunity

• Advise on landlord and tenant disputes (including lease renewals, dilapidations and forfeiture)

• Handle development-related disputes (including rights of light, restrictive covenants and boundary issues)

• Manage possession claims and trespass actions

• Support property insolvency and enforcement work

• Draft pleadings, witness statements and instructions to counsel

• Attend hearings, mediations and client meetings

• Manage your own caseload with appropriate supervision

• Support senior colleagues on complex litigation and ADR matters

• Contribute to team training, knowledge sharing and mentoring junior team members

• Get involved in marketing and business development initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Experience in contentious property / real estate dispute resolution

• Strong technical knowledge of real estate law and dispute resolution processes

• Experience of County Court and/or First-tier Tribunal proceedings

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Organised, methodical approach with strong attention to detail

• Commercial mindset and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• 2 to 5 years’ PQE in property litigation (or equivalent experience)

• Experience handling a broad range of landlord and tenant and development-related disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Manchester location

• Varied caseload across litigation and ADR

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist property disputes capability, known for straight-talking, commercially focused advice and a collaborative approach. The team acts for a broad range of clients including developers, investors, landlords, tenants and public sector bodies.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Flexible working patterns are available.

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

Real Estate Partner

Location: Manchester

Salary: £110,000-170,000 depending on experience and interview performance. 

Experience: Partner level

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role within a well-established real estate practice with a strong regional focus and national reach.

You'll be a commercial real estate specialist with a proven track record in development and real estate investment work, and the ambition to grow a client base in Manchester and the wider North West. A portable following is important for this hire.

The Opportunity

• Lead and grow a commercial real estate practice in Manchester

• Advise on development and investment matters, working across a broad real estate offering

• Build and deepen client relationships, developing new work and expanding existing accounts

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across complementary practice areas

• Provide leadership, mentoring and support to lawyers within the team

• Play a visible role in business development, networking and market profile

What Were Looking For

Essential

• Partner-level commercial real estate experience

• Strong background in development and real estate investment work

• Demonstrable business development capability and a strong network

• A portable following (or a clear, credible plan to build one quickly)

• Proven leadership and team management experience

• Collaborative approach and strong commercial judgement

Desirable

• Experience working across a broad real estate platform (including landlord and tenant and mixed-use development)

• Track record of cross-selling and working closely with other practice areas

What's On Offer

• Market-leading remuneration + bonus (partner level)

• Manchester location

• A genuine leadership opportunity with scope to shape and grow the practice

• Strong national platform and cross-disciplinary support

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a well-regarded real estate practice advising on commercial development, investment and wider property matters. The team is known for its technical strength, commercial approach and collaborative culture.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Flexible working patterns are available.

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

Banking Associate / Senior Associate

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000

Experience: 4 to 7 years PQE

If you are a Banking Solicitor who enjoys varied, high-quality finance work and wants to be part of a genuinely supportive team, this is a strong opportunity to join a growing national practice with excellent development and long-term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate or Senior Associate into their Banking and Finance team. You will gain exposure to a broad spread of transactions, working with a mix of UK-based lenders and borrowers, and collaborating closely with colleagues across a national platform.

The Opportunity

You will work on a wide range of banking matters, including:

• General banking transactions

• Acquisition finance and private equity backed deals

• Real estate finance, including acquisitions, investments and development funding

• Project finance

• Asset-based lending

The team is known for being commercial, pragmatic and client-focused, with a strong reputation for handling complex matters. You will be encouraged to get involved in business development and to build your profile, with the support and structure to do it properly.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a broad range of banking and finance transactions for lenders and borrowers

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating key finance documents, including facility agreements, LMA documentation and credit agreements

• Managing matters efficiently, keeping clients updated and ensuring next steps are clear

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider team to deliver a joined-up service

• Supporting and mentoring more junior team members where appropriate

• Contributing to business development activity and helping to build client relationships

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor (England and Wales or equivalent) with 4 to 7 years PQE in banking and finance

• Strong technical ability and confidence handling transactions with appropriate supervision

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, including experience with facility agreements and LMA documentation

• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence dealing with clients and colleagues at all levels

• A collaborative approach and strong attention to detail

• A proactive, organised mindset and the ability to work well under pressure

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential

• Hybrid and flexible working encouraged

• Strong learning and development support, including access to structured training and wider learning platforms

• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave

• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• A supportive, high-performing team environment with clear progression

Working Arrangements

This role is Birmingham-based, with hybrid working available.

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 are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Residential Development Associate

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000

Experience: 3 to 5 years PQE

If you are a development solicitor who enjoys land-led work, complex deals and working with high-calibre housebuilder clients, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy Birmingham team with genuine long-term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate into their Residential Development team, focusing on land acquisition work for national and regional housebuilders and developers. You will be supported by a wider specialist group, but your day-to-day focus will be on the land side of residential development, with plenty of exposure to high-value, strategic transactions.

The Opportunity

This is a multi-faceted role with a varied mix of work, including:

• Complex and large-scale land acquisitions across England and Wales

• Development and collaboration agreements between developers

• Strategic options and conditional contracts

• Funding arrangements

• Disposals of serviced parcels

• Urban regeneration projects

You will be joining a large, well-resourced residential development group with specialist support across related areas, giving you the platform to focus on land acquisition work and develop depth in this space.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements

• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure, keeping matters commercially focused and moving forward

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined-up service

• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice

• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition work

• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful, but not essential

• Strong drafting skills and confidence handling complex, document-heavy transactions

• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving

• Strong client care and the ability to build trust with stakeholders

• A genuine interest in specialising further in residential development and land acquisition

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Strong learning and development support, including structured training and access to wider learning platforms

• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave

• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• Clear long-term progression, with a strong track record of developing specialists into senior roles

Working Arrangements

Birmingham-based role with hybrid working available. Flexible working patterns are supported.

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 are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Corporate Solicitor / Associate

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 2–4 PQE

Our client is looking to appoint a Corporate Solicitor / Associate into its Birmingham office, joining a high-performing national corporate team. This is a genuinely transactional role with strong exposure to M&A, private equity and capital markets work, and the chance to develop quickly alongside senior lawyers.

You’ll be joining a business that invests heavily in its people. The environment is collaborative and entrepreneurial, with a clear focus on progression, learning, and rewarding those who help the business grow.

This role is ideal for a Corporate Solicitor with 2–4 years’ PQE who enjoys deal work, wants variety, and is keen to build their technical and client-facing skills within a national platform.

You will support Partners and senior colleagues on a wide range of corporate transactions and will be encouraged to take ownership as you progress.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting on a range of corporate transactions, including M&A, private equity and capital markets matters

• Drafting and negotiating transaction documents and managing deal processes

• Coordinating due diligence and supporting on project management across transactions

• Working directly with colleagues across the wider national corporate team

• Developing strong client relationships through clear, commercial advice

• Getting involved in business development initiatives and helping grow networks in the professional services space

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 2–4 years’ PQE in corporate law

• Strong transactional experience across a broad range of corporate matters

• Excellent commercial awareness and a practical approach to problem solving

• Confident communicator with strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Ambition to build a client network and contribute to business development

• Collaborative style, with the confidence to take ownership and drive initiatives

What’s On Offer

• Competitive remuneration with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus

• Sharesave scheme

• Flexible hybrid working (no split stated)

• Strong learning and development support, including structured training resources

• Flexible benefits package (including options around annual leave and other benefits, grade dependent)

• Employee wellbeing support (including employee assistance programme)

Location & Working Arrangements

• Birmingham

• Hybrid working available

• Full-time preferred

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.