Legal Director - Real Estate Litigation

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF, a leading global legal business, is seeking a skilled Legal Director to join our Real Estate Litigation team in the UK. You will manage a high‑value caseload of complex commercial property disputes, lead and mentor the team, and help shape the practice’s strategic direction and client relationships.

Based in one of our regional offices (Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool or Birmingham) with a flexible, hybrid working approach, you will collaborate closely with clients and internal

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in leading real estate or real estate litigation teams.
• Technical expertise in complex, high-value commercial real estate litigation.
• Ability to manage files independently while contributing to the team when needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of commercial property disputes.
• Support growth and development of the Real Estate Litigation practice and client service.
• Provide practical, robust legal advice aligned with commercial objectives.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Develop strong client relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the transactional Real Estate team.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Real estate litigation expertise

Independent file management

Stakeholder management

Client relationship building

Organisational skills

Self-motivated

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

Why join us?We are seeking a skilled and commercially minded Legal Director to join our Real Estate Litigation team.This is a senior, client‑facing role offering the opportunity to work on high‑value, complex commercial property disputes, while playing a key part in the growth and strategic direction of the team.The successful candidate will manage a complex and high‑value caseload of commercial property disputes.

This will include matters such as opposed and unopposed lease renewals, restrictive covenants, break options, dilapidations, rights of way, boundary disputes, trespass, nuisance, possession proceedings and insolvency‑related issues.The role will play a crucial part in the management and development of key client relationships across multiple sectors and will take responsibility for maintaining the quality of service delivered across the team.The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool or Birmingham with a flexible, hybrid working approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of commercial property disputes, including opposed and unopposed lease renewals, restrictive covenants, break options, dilapidations, rights of way, boundary disputes, trespass, nuisance, possession proceedings and insolvency‑related issues.
• Support the Real Estate Litigation team in driving continuous growth and improvement, contributing to the ongoing development of the practice and the delivery of an excellent and consistent client service.
• Work closely with clients to provide practical, clear and robust legal advice, ensuring that commercial objectives are met and matters are progressed efficiently and strategically.
• Supervise and mentor junior members of the team, supporting their development and contributing to the overall quality, performance and culture of the practice.
• Build, maintain and develop strong relationships with key clients, while supporting further growth through both new and existing business opportunities.
• Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including the transactional Real Estate team, with whom there will be close collaboration and ongoing support.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• A qualified solicitor with considerable experience gained within a leading real estate or real estate litigation team.
• Demonstrable technical expertise in complex and high value commercial real estate litigation.
• Proven ability to manage files independently, while contributing effectively to wider team matters and collaborative initiatives when required.
• Confident and personable, with excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to build credibility with clients and colleagues.
• A collaborative approach to building, maintaining and developing strong relationships with both clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work effectively, manage competing demands and maximise efficiency in working practices.
• Self‑motivated and performance‑driven, with a strong commitment to providing high‑quality, practical and commercially focused legal advice.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed.

You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services.

Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service.

Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities, and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.