Senior Real Estate Development Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Tunbridge Wells; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Competitive salary

Progression opportunities

Exposure to top-tier development work

Job summary

Senior Associate specialising in Real Estate Development is sought to join a highly ranked Legal 500 team based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The firm handles residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes for developers, landowners and housebuilders, offering a dynamic, ambitious environment with strong progression prospects.

You will take lead on acquisitions, strategic land matters, development agreements, and joint ventures, while mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to business development

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with 6+ years' PQE in real estate development.
• Strong technical knowledge in residential and/or commercial development projects.
• Experience in a Legal 500-ranked real estate team is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills with a commercially astute, client‑centric approach.
• Collaborative mindset and appetite to support junior team members and contribute to strategic team growth.

Responsibilities

• Advising on site acquisitions and disposals.
• Strategic land matters including options and promotion agreements.
• Development agreements, overage and infrastructure arrangements.
• Collaboration and joint venture agreements.
• Advising housebuilders, developers, and landowners on planning and delivery structures.
• Supporting junior lawyers and contributing to team leadership and growth.
• Active involvement in business development and client relationship management.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Client-centric approach

Education

6+ years PQE in real estate development

Job description

Senior Associate | Real Estate Development | Legal 500 Firm | Kent

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Senior Associate specialising in Real Estate Development to join a highly ranked Legal 500 team based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. This leading Top 200 law firm has built a reputation for attracting exceptional lawyers, including those with backgrounds in prominent City and regional firms.

You will be joining a dynamic and ambitious team with a strong pipeline of development‑focused work, acting for a broad mix of national and regional developers, landowners, investors, and housebuilders.

The Firm & Role

With a long‑standing presence in the South East, this firm is renowned for its client‑focused approach and top‑tier rankings across multiple disciplines.

You'll be joining a development‑focused team that advises on complex, high‑value matters across residential, commercial, and mixed‑use schemes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on site acquisitions and disposals
• Strategic land matters including options and promotion agreements
• Development agreements, overage and infrastructure arrangements
• Collaboration and joint venture agreements
• Advising housebuilders, developers, and landowners on planning and delivery structures
• Supporting junior lawyers and contributing to team leadership and growth

The role includes active involvement in business development and client relationship management, with a focus on further strengthening the team's real estate development practice in the region.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with 6+ years' PQE in real estate development
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in residential and/or commercial development projects
• Previous experience in a Legal 500-ranked real estate team is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills and a commercially astute, client‑centric approach
• A collaborative mindset and appetite to support junior team members and contribute to strategic team growth

On Offer

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid working model for greater flexibility
• Exposure to top‑tier development work across the South East
• A clear and structured pathway to progression and leadership
• The chance to work alongside highly regarded partners and be instrumental in shaping the future of the team

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented Real Estate Development Senior Associate to join a forward‑thinking and well‑resourced team, combining high‑quality work with strong progression prospects.