Real Estate Development Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Brighton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Supportive team environment

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Brighton is seeking a skilled development-focused solicitor with 4+ years PQE to join their Commercial Property team. This senior role offers the opportunity to influence the direction of projects while handling complex acquisitions and advising clients. The successful candidate will enjoy a collegiate culture with scope for career progression to partnership. The firm offers competitive salary packages and a unique work-life balance without the London pressures.

Qualifications

• 4+ years PQE as a Commercial Property Solicitor.
• Experience in drafting development agreements.
• Ability to advise clients independently.

Responsibilities

• Acting on development land acquisitions and disposals.
• Drafting and advising on development agreements.
• Handling leasehold and freehold transactions.

Skills

Commercial Property Solicitor

Development work

Client relationship building

Independently run matters

Leadership skills

Job description

A leading Chambers and Legal 500–ranked firm on the Sussex coast is strengthening its Real Estate Development offering and is looking for an experienced development-focused solicitor to play a key role in the next phase of growth. This is a senior hire, open to lawyers from 4+ PQE through to Partner level, who want influence as well as quality work.

The Firm

Long established and highly regarded, this firm is known for handling complex, high-value property and development matters with a commercial, solutions-led approach. It advises developers, landowners, agricultural estates, lenders, local authorities and entrepreneurs across the UK and internationally, with transactions frequently reaching £20m.

While the work is heavyweight, the culture is not. The firm is collegiate, supportive and genuinely invested in its people. Lawyers here are trusted to build their practices, supported by strong systems, experienced colleagues and a loyal client base built over decades.

The Role

You’ll join a well-resourced Commercial Property team working at the heart of the firm’s development practice. The work is varied, strategic and hands-on, including:

• Acting on development land acquisitions and disposals
• Drafting and advising on option, promotion and development agreements
• Handling complex freehold and leasehold transactions
• Advising on landlord and tenant matters
• Property finance, security and reporting
• Corporate support linked to development projects

This is a visible, client-facing role with real scope to influence the direction of the team. At the senior end, you’ll be trusted to help shape strategy, develop relationships and play a leadership role.

About You

• Commercial Property Solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE
• Strong grounding in development work, ideally including options and promotion agreements
• Confident running matters independently and advising directly to clients
• Commercial, personable and comfortable building long-term relationships
• Ambitious, with a genuine pathway to partnership for the right individual

What’s On Offer

• High-quality real estate development work within a top-ranked team
• A long-term role with progression from senior associate through to Partner
• Supportive, well-structured team and excellent systems
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Brighton-based role offering top-tier work without the London lifestyle trade-offs

If you’re a development-focused property lawyer looking for a role with substance, stability and real influence, this is a standout opportunity on the South Coast.