Associate (NQ to 3 years PQE) - Housing Development & Regeneration

Think Legal Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking an Associate (NQ to 3 years PQE) for their award-winning Housing Development and Regeneration team based in Leeds. This role offers hybrid working and involvement in high-profile projects that shape communities. Ideal candidates will have a background in residential development, strong communication skills, and the ambition to build a long-term career. The firm provides extensive training, generous benefits, and a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus option to buy more

Private medical insurance

Generous pension allowance

Life assurance (4x salary)

Three-month sabbatical every five years

Comprehensive training programme with daily mentoring

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or legal executive with at least NQ level experience.
• Background in residential development or broader real estate.
• Ambition to develop a long-term career in residential development.

Responsibilities

• Leading on transactions appropriate to your experience level.
• Supporting senior colleagues on larger, complex deals.
• Conducting title due diligence and managing land acquisitions.
• Working on strategic deals including options, promotions, and collaboration agreements.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams across planning, tax, and construction.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Commercial judgment

Ability to manage own caseload

Team player

Education

Qualified solicitor or legal executive (NQ)

Job description

Associate (NQ to 3 years PQE) - Housing Development & Regeneration | Leeds

Are you ready to build your career in one of the most dynamic areas of real estate?

Join one of the UK's top three largest Real Estate practices as an Associate in this award-winning Housing Development and Regeneration team. Based in their thriving Leeds office, you'll be at the forefront of residential development across the north, working on high-profile projects that are shaping communities and driving economic growth.

About the Opportunity

We're looking for an ambitious solicitor or legal executive (NQ- 3 PQE) to join this market-leading team of 12 partners and supporting lawyers. Whether you've trained specifically in residential development or have broader real estate experience and want to specialise, we want to hear from you.

You'll work on cutting-edge transactions for major housebuilders including Barratt, Taylor Wimpey, Vistry and Persimmon, alongside high-profile developers and public sector bodies. From land acquisitions and option agreements to planning obligations and joint ventures, you'll gain exposure to the full spectrum of residential development work—without the domestic conveyancing.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading on transactions appropriate to your experience level
• Supporting senior colleagues on larger, complex deals
• Conducting title due diligence and managing land acquisitions
• Working on strategic deals including options, promotions and collaboration agreements
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams across planning, tax and construction
• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development

What We're Looking For

• Qualified solicitor or legal executive with at least NQ level experience
• Background in residential development or broader real estate with a genuine commitment to specialise in housing
• Ability to manage your own caseload, work to tight deadlines and stay calm under pressure
• Strong communication skills and commercial judgment
• Team player who enjoys a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Ambition to develop a long-term career in residential development

What We Offer

• Hybrid working approach balancing office and remote work
• 25 days annual leave plus option to buy more
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension allowance
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Three-month sabbatical every five years
• Comprehensive training programme with daily mentoring
• Career development in a firm ranked by Great Place to Work® for 24 consecutive years

This is your chance to join a regional powerhouse with national reach, working on transactions that matter. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact Kim Wilkes at Think Legal for more information – [e-mail]