Legal Director Real Estate

CRA Legal; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Private healthcare

Enhanced pension

25 days' annual leave

Job summary

CRA Consulting has been retained to recruit a Legal Director - Real Estate for a leading national law firm in Sheffield. The role offers autonomy to develop relationships, lead high-value transactions and shape the Sheffield Real Estate practice, with clear progression toward partnership or equity.

You will manage a regional client portfolio, mentor lawyers, drive business development, and collaborate across the national network while benefiting from a hybrid working pattern and a strong package.

Qualifications

• UK-qualified Real Estate Solicitor with substantial experience
• Track record of developing and retaining client relationships
• Experience leading complex high-value real estate transactions

Responsibilities

• Lead complex and high-value real estate transactions across investment acquisitions, landlord and tenant, development and construction
• Develop trusted relationships with key clients and contribute to business planning and profitability
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and support recruitment and team development
• Lead pitches, tenders and client presentations and create cross-referral opportunities across departments
• Represent the firm in the Sheffield and wider Yorkshire business community

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Business development

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

UK-qualified Real Estate Solicitor

Job description

Role: Legal Director - Real Estate
Location: Sheffield City Centre
Salary: £80,000 to £130,000, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working
Progression: Genuine Partnership and Equity Prospects

The Opportunity

CRA Consulting has been retained by a leading national law firm to recruit a Legal Director - Real Estate for its established Sheffield office. This is a senior appointment within a highly regarded Real Estate team and an opportunity to play an important role in the continued development of the firm's property practice across Yorkshire. The successful candidate will work with an established portfolio of regional and national clients while being given the autonomy and support to develop new relationships, grow their own market profile and help shape the future direction of the Sheffield team. The position may suit an existing Legal Director, an ambitious Senior Associate seeking a clear leadership opportunity or a Partner looking for a collaborative national platform with genuine growth potential.

The Role

You will lead complex and high-value real estate transactions across areas including:

• Investment acquisitions and disposals
• Commercial landlord and tenant matters
• Real estate development and regeneration
• Property finance and secured lending
• Asset and portfolio management
• Corporate occupier work
• Strategic land and development agreements
• Property support on corporate transactions

Alongside managing your own client portfolio, you will contribute to the leadership and strategic development of the wider Real Estate practice. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing trusted relationships with key clients
• Leading major transactions and strategic projects
• Identifying and converting new business opportunities
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm's national network
• Creating cross-referral opportunities with other departments
• Leading pitches, tenders and client presentations
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
• Supporting recruitment and team development
• Contributing to business planning, performance and profitability
• Representing the firm within the Sheffield and wider Yorkshire business community

The Candidate

You will be a UK-qualified Real Estate Solicitor with substantial experience gained within a recognised regional, national or specialist property practice. The firm is particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge across commercial real estate
• Experience leading complex and high-value transactions
• A track record of developing and retaining client relationships
• Commercial awareness and a practical approach to advice
• Experience supervising or developing other lawyers
• Confidence contributing to business development activity
• Strong professional relationships within the regional market
• The ambition to progress towards partnership or equity

An established client following would be welcomed but is not essential. The firm will also consider candidates with a strong professional network, a credible business plan and the ability to convert opportunities with the backing of a national brand.

Why Consider This Role?

This is more than a senior fee-earning position. It offers the opportunity to become a visible and influential figure within the Sheffield office and wider national Real Estate practice.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• High-quality regional and national real estate work
• An established client base and strong internal referral network
• Genuine influence over the development of the Sheffield practice
• Support for business development and profile building
• Responsibility for mentoring and growing the team
• Access to national resources, infrastructure and specialist departments
• A collaborative and commercially focused culture
• A clear route towards partnership and equity

Salary and Benefits

The firm offers a highly competitive package, including:

• Basic salary of £80,000 to £130,000
• Individual performance-related bonus
• Firm-wide bonus scheme
• Hybrid working arrangements
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Enhanced pension arrangements
• Professional development and leadership support
• Defined progression milestones
• Long-term partnership and equity prospects