Job Description
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)
- 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.