Real Estate Lawyer- Dedicated Client Role- 2-7 years PQE (Leeds/Remote)

Think Legal Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking an Associate for their Leeds office to work on commercial property transactions with a focus on client relationships and flexibility. This role offers reduced chargeable hours and supports a better work-life balance while working primarily from home. Ideal candidates will have 3-7 years of PQE in commercial property and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Reduced chargeable hours

Career development programmes

Qualifications

• 3-7 years PQE in commercial property required.
• Experience with landlord and tenant law preferred.
• Willingness to transition for better work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate commercial leases.
• Manage landlord-focused asset management matters.
• Supervise junior lawyers and paralegals.

Skills

Communication skills

Client relationship management

High-volume workload management

Proactive and commercially minded

Education

PQE in commercial property (3-7 years)

Job description

Associate, Transactional Real Estate | Leeds/Remote | 3-7 Years PQE

A Rare Opportunity for Work-Life Balance in high quality Property Law

Are you a talented property lawyer seeking more than just another transactional role? This is your chance to step into something genuinely different – a dedicated client position that combines the prestige and resources of a top-tier firm with the focused, in-house style working that prioritises your lifestyle.

The Opportunity

Our client, a leading international law firm, is launching an innovative new delivery model for one of their most significant institutional landlord clients. They're seeking two Associates to join a dedicated team focused exclusively on delivering exceptional service to this major client – think in-house benefits with law firm backing.

This isn't your typical 'churn and burn' property role. With a reduced chargeable hours target of just 1,400 hours per year and the flexibility to work primarily from home, this position has been designed for lawyers who want to reclaim their time without sacrificing career progression.

What Makes This Role Different?

True Flexibility – Office attendance required just once or twice per month in Leeds. Whether you're based in Leeds, Manchester, or anywhere across the North of England and Midlands, or even further afield, this role works for you.

One Client, Deep Expertise – Build genuine relationships and become the go-to expert for a prestigious institutional landlord. No juggling dozens of clients or endless BD targets – just focused, high-quality work.

Lifestyle First – This role has been specifically created for lawyers seeking better work-life balance. Lower hours targets, predictable workload, and genuine flexibility.

Law Firm Perks, In-House Feel – Enjoy all the training, development programmes, and career support of a major law firm, without the pressure of traditional law firm life.

The Work

You’ll be handling a varied caseload of landlord and tenant work for a major institutional client, including:

• Drafting and negotiating commercial leases (new, renewal, and reversionary)
• Landlord-focused asset management matters
• Licences to alter, assign, underlet, and other management applications
• Creating and maintaining letting due diligence packs
• Dealing with tenant enquiries and completion processes
• Supervising junior lawyers and paralegals

The client is smart, professional, and reasonable – the kind you’ll genuinely enjoy working with. They’re excellent bill payers who value proactive lawyers who keep them informed.

What They’re Looking For

• 3-7 years PQE in commercial property (England & Wales qualified) – if you fall outside of this PQE please do still ask for a confidential discussion!
• Landlord and tenant experience – ideally with institutional landlords
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Experience managing high-volume, fast-paced workloads
• A proactive, commercially minded approach
• Someone ready for alifestyle change – this could suit lawyers from top-tier firms seeking better balance OR talented lawyers from regional firms looking for a step up with a major client

The Firm

This is a Tier 1 ranked, award‑winning real estate team within a leading international practice. The Leeds office houses a substantial transactional real estate team with 6 partners and 50+ fee earners, recognised as Real Estate Team of the Year at both the Yorkshire Property Insider Awards and Yorkshire Lawyer Awards.

The firm champions innovation, using cutting‑edge legal tech and AI tools, while maintaining a supportive, collegiate culture. You’ll have access to comprehensive training, career development programmes, and a diverse, inclusive working environment.

The Package

• Competitive salary (approximately 80% of standard banding – a fair exchange for significantly reduced hours and lifestyle benefits)
• Reduced chargeable hours – 1,400 per year vs. typical targets
• Flexibility – primarily remote working with minimal office attendance
• Full‑time or 4 days per week considered for the right candidate
• All the benefits and support of working for a major international law firm

The Process

The hiring team want to keep things informal and build genuine rapport with candidates. Initial conversations can be by Teams or in person – they’re happy to start with just a chat, no formal CV required at first stage.

This role represents something genuinely rare in property law – the chance to do excellent work for a major client while actually having a life outside the office.

If you’re ready for a change and this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, let’s talk.

To apply or discuss this role in confidence, please get in touch with Kim Wilkes at Think Legal- [e-mail]

Our client is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.