Residential Development Associate Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Training & development

Benefits package

Discounts & wellbeing

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking an Associate into its Residential Development team in Reading, focusing on land acquisition work for housebuilders and developers. You will join a busy, well‑resourced group with specialist support and clear pathways for long‑term progression.

The role involves running land acquisitions across England and Wales, drafting and negotiating development documents, and advising on risk and deal structure, with hybrid working and a strong learning environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 3–5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition.
• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Commercial mindset and practical problem solving.
• Strong client care and ability to build trust with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements.
• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure.
• Working with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined‑up service.
• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice.
• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building.

Skills

Residential development

Land acquisition

Drafting

Commercial awareness

Job description

Residential Development Associate

Location: Reading
Salary: £60,000 to £75,000
Experience: 3 to 5 years PQE

If you are a development solicitor who enjoys land‑led work, complex deals and working with high‑calibre housebuilder clients, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy Reading team with genuine long‑term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate into their Residential Development team, focusing on land acquisition work for national and regional housebuilders and developers. You will be supported by a wider specialist group, but your day‑to‑day focus will be on the land side of residential development, with plenty of exposure to high‑value, strategic transactions.

The Opportunity

This is a multi‑faced role with a varied mix of work, including:

• Complex and large‑scale land acquisitions across England and Wales
• Development and collaboration agreements between developers
• Strategic options and conditional contracts
• Funding arrangements
• Disposals of serviced parcels
• Urban regeneration projects

You will be joining a large, well‑resourced residential development group with specialist support across related areas, giving you the platform to focus on land acquisition work and develop depth in this space.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements
• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure, keeping matters commercially focused and moving forward
• Working closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined‑up service
• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice
• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition work
• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful, but not essential
• Strong drafting skills and confidence handling complex, document‑heavy transactions
• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving
• Strong client care and the ability to build trust with stakeholders
• A genuine interest in specialising further in residential development and land acquisition

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Strong learning and development support, including structured training and access to wider learning platforms
• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave
• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources
• Clear long‑term progression, with a strong track record of developing specialists into senior roles

Working Arrangements

Reading‑based role with hybrid working available. Flexible working patterns are supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to [e-mail] or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.