Senior Residential Development Solicitor

Douglas Scott Global Recruitment; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Real Estate Development Solicitor in Farnborough. This role requires a qualified Solicitor with over 5 years of PQE in real estate, focusing on residential development. The position offers a competitive salary, a fee earner bonus scheme, hybrid working options, and a supportive team environment with ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary tailored to experience

Fee earner bonus scheme

Hybrid working with flexible hours

Free on-site parking

Enhanced pension scheme

25 days' holiday with an extra day off over Christmas

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE in real estate, ideally with development or residential land experience.
• Ability to manage complex matters and work independently.
• Strong understanding of site acquisitions and planning agreements.

Responsibilities

• Advise on strategic land acquisitions and disposals.
• Draft conditional contracts and promotion agreements.
• Engage with clients and provide commercially sound advice.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Client engagement

Drafting expertise

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor, FILEX, or CILEX

Job description

Senior Real Estate Development Solicitor - 5+ Years PQE
North East Hampshire / Surrey Borders
Solicitor / FILEX / CILEX

An outstanding opportunity to join a highly ranked Real Estate team, renowned for its work in residential development. With a reputation for delivering long-term value to clients and recognition in the Legal 500 (Tier 2 for Real Estate), this firm offers an excellent platform for senior property professionals seeking their next step.

The Firm:
This Legal 500-recognised full-service firm continues to grow across the South East, offering a dynamic and collaborative working culture. Known for its strategic, client-focused legal advice, the firm values development — of both its people and its long-term client relationships.

The Opportunity:
You'll be joining a top-tier Residential Development team with a strong reputation for acting on behalf of housebuilders, developers, and landowners across the South. This is a great opportunity for a senior real estate solicitor or legal executive with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience.
Working closely with experienced Partners, you'll be involved in all aspects of residential development work including:

• Strategic land acquisitions and disposals
• Conditional contracts, promotion agreements, and options
• Section 106 and other planning-related agreements
• Infrastructure and service arrangements
• Site set-up and plot sales

This is a varied and hands-on role with strong potential for career progression and business development. You will be a trusted advisor to clients and play a central role in the growth of the development practice.

About You:

• A qualified Solicitor, FILEX or CILEX with 5+ years' PQE in real estate, ideally with experience in development or residential land.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to manage complex matters and work independently.
• Strong understanding of site acquisitions, planning agreements, and infrastructure arrangements.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Confident engaging with clients and providing commercially sound advice.
• A proactive team player with a desire to contribute to team growth and mentoring.

What's on Offer:

• Competitive salary tailored to experience and level.
• Fee earner bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working with flexible core hours.
• Free on-site parking.
• Enhanced benefits including pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity pay, and Perkbox membership.
• 25 days' holiday plus an extra day off over the Christmas period.
• A collaborative and ambitious team environment with ongoing professional development.