Real Estate Partner – Development

2025; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the Thames Valley seeks a Real Estate Partner to join its Development & Housebuilding team. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in property development and a strong client management background, along with a robust track record in complex transactions. This role offers a supportive team environment and opportunities for progression, hybrid working arrangements, and the autonomy to develop your practice within a respected firm.

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE in real estate law focusing on development.
• Strong background in complex land transactions and experience managing financing.
• Proven ability in driving team growth and client acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex development transactions and manage relationships.
• Drive growth and service offerings within the team.
• Support junior lawyers and contribute to leadership.

Skills

Property Development

Client Management

Business Development

Complex Land Transactions

Commercial Mindset

Team Leadership

Communication

Job description

Real Estate Partner – Development & Housebuilding – Thames Valley

Location: Reading / Thames Valley (with hybrid working) Level: Partner Salary: Excellent, with full benefits and progression incentives Practice Area: Real Estate Development / Residential & Commercial Development

I’m working with a modern and ambitious law firm in the Thames Valley that is looking to grow its leading Development & Housebuilding team with the appointment of a senior lawyer – ideally at Partner level – with extensive experience in advising on complex residential and commercial development matters.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing and well-established property team that advises developers, housebuilders, land promoters, funders and landowners on a broad range of development projects, both locally and across the UK.

The team works closely with colleagues in Planning, Construction, Property Litigation and Corporate Real Estate, and benefits from a longstanding reputation in site acquisition, plot sales and development finance.

What they’re looking for:

• A senior real estate lawyer (8+ years’ PQE) with a strong background in property development Proven track record handling complex land transactions, including conditional contracts, option agreements, promotion agreements, S106s and infrastructure agreements Confident managing secured acquisition and development finance transactions Experience leading teams, managing budgets and overseeing performance Comfortable identifying risks and offering pragmatic, commercial advice to clients Strong client base or network in the residential and/or mixed-use development sector Commercial mindset and appetite for business development, cross-selling and strategy Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both internally and externally

The role includes:

• Working closely with existing Partners to drive growth in the team and service offering Acting as a trusted adviser to a diverse client base of developers, landowners and funders Leading complex development transactions and managing client relationships Supporting more junior lawyers and contributing to team leadership Playing a key role in business planning, marketing and client acquisition strategies

Why consider this firm?

This is a progressive, independently ranked firm with a strong reputation in the development sector. You’ll have the platform and autonomy to build on your practice while benefiting from the support of an experienced, collaborative team and cross-practice referrals. Hybrid working and flexible arrangements are in place, and the firm is serious about supporting the ambitions of its senior lawyers.

If you’re a development-focused real estate lawyer looking to make a strategic move, I’d be happy to have a confidential conversation.