Real Estate Legal Director

Douglas Scott Global Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Real Estate Legal Director in Manchester. The role offers hybrid working and a market-leading salary. Responsibilities include managing client relationships, mentoring junior lawyers, and shaping the practice's strategic direction. This position is ideal for candidates with over 8 years of PQE who value quality work and life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working culture

Clear progression to partnership

Market-leading salary and bonus structure

Autonomy in client relationships

Qualifications

• Senior real estate lawyer with circa 8+ years’ PQE.
• Experience in commercial, residential and mixed-use schemes.
• Ability to manage client relationships and contribute strategically.

Responsibilities

• Lead client relationships within the team.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the practice's development.
• Help shape the direction of the real estate practice.
• Take ownership across the development lifecycle.

Skills

Client relationship management

Mentoring junior lawyers

Commercial awareness

Job description

Overview

Real Estate Legal Director - Manchester - Hybrid - c.8+ PQE

£80k+

This is a standout opportunity to join one of the most respected real estate practices in the UK - a team that combines blue-chip clients, complex development work and a culture built on trust, collaboration and individuality.

The firm’s Manchester Real Estate team continues to grow, handling major commercial, residential and mixed-use schemes for developers, investors, and corporate occupiers. As a Legal Director, you’ll play a hands-on role in leading client relationships, mentoring junior lawyers and helping shape the direction of the practice.

The role will suit a senior lawyer who enjoys combining technical excellence with a commercial mindset - someone who can take ownership, lead from the front, and act as a trusted advisor on the full development lifecycle, from site assembly and funding through to construction and disposal.

Responsibilities

• Lead client relationships within the Manchester Real Estate team and with the firm’s clients.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the development of the practice.
• Help shape the direction of the real estate practice.
• Take ownership across the development lifecycle, from site assembly and funding through to construction and disposal.

Qualifications

• Senior real estate lawyer with circa 8+ years’ PQE.
• Experience handling commercial, residential and mixed-use schemes for developers, investors and corporate occupiers.
• Ability to manage client relationships, mentor colleagues and contribute to strategic direction.

What’s on offer

• A genuinely flexible and trusting working culture
• A national platform with first-class clients and cross-office collaboration
• Clear and supported progression to partnership
• Market-leading salary and transparent bonus structure
• Autonomy to shape your own client relationships and working week

If you’re a senior real estate lawyer who values both quality of work and quality of life, this role offers the best of both worlds - high-profile projects, strong client visibility, and a down-to-earth culture that puts people first.