Housebuilding Solicitor

Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment seeks an experienced Managing Associate for the Development and Housebuilding Team in a hybrid Leeds/Manchester role. You will advise leading housebuilders on acquisition and development matters, drafting complex development documents and leading a junior team.

The role requires senior residential development experience, strong drafting and client-management skills, and a track record in business development within a top-tier real estate practice.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' PQE in residential development or real estate.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and client management skills.
• Ambition to lead juniors and develop leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Genuine interest in business development and expanding client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advise housebuilders on land acquisition, development and disposals.
• Draft, negotiate and manage development documents (e.g., options, promotions, leases).
• Supervise junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals; mentor where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and drive business development.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Negotiation

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Business development

Deadline management

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Role: Managing Associate - Development and Housebuilding Team.

Location: Leeds or Manchester with Hybrid working in place

Douglas Scott are working with an established and growing national law firm is seeking an experienced Managing Associate to join its highly regarded Residential Development team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a development solicitor looking to take the next step in their career, working alongside leading sector specialists on high-profile residential development projects for a diverse housebuilder client base.

The Opportunity

Joining a collaborative and ambitious team, you will advise national, regional and SME housebuilders on a broad range of residential development matters from acquisition through to disposal.

• Advising on site acquisitions, site assembly projects and disposals
• Managing legal due diligence exercises and preparing detailed reports for developer clients
• Drafting and negotiating a range of development documents, including:
• Option Agreements
• Promotion Agreements
• Building Leases
• Transfers
• Overage Agreements
• Development Contracts
• Supporting the successful delivery of residential development schemes from initial acquisition through to plot sales
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals
• Working closely with partners to support team development and growth
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development initiatives, networking activities and profile-raising opportunities across the built environment sector
• Collaborating with specialists across real estate, planning, construction and property litigation teams

About You

Applications are welcomed from qualified solicitors with significant experience in residential development and housebuilder work.

• 6+ years' PQE gained within a recognised residential development or real estate team
• Strong experience advising housebuilders on land acquisition and development matters
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and client management skills
• Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Experience supervising junior team members or a desire to develop leadership responsibilities
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A genuine interest in business development and growing client relationships

What's on Offer?

• High-quality residential development work for a strong housebuilder client base
• A clear career progression pathway
• Genuine client contact and responsibility
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Exposure to major residential development projects
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements