Solicitor – Housing & Development

Trades Workforce Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Solicitor for their Housing & Development team in Leeds. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years PQE in residential development, capable of advising on site acquisitions and managing contracts. This role offers a competitive salary of £50,000 - £65,000, along with bonuses and excellent career progression opportunities. With a commitment to professional development, this position supports a hybrid working model prioritizing work-life balance.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Career progression support

Flexible working options

Comprehensive wellbeing support

Enhanced pension

Private healthcare

Regular team events

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years PQE in residential development or housing.
• Experience with development agreements and associated transactions.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions effectively.

Responsibilities

• Advise on residential development and regeneration projects.
• Draft and negotiate development agreements and contracts.
• Manage due diligence and risk assessments.

Skills

Residential development

Site acquisitions

Strong drafting

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Client service management

Collaborative approach

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Solicitor – Housing & Development

Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 + Bonus

Location: Leeds

Experience: 2+ years PQE, UK Practice

Shaping the Future of Housing Development

Our client is a leading UK law firm with a well-established reputation for guiding individuals and families through complex private wealth matters.

Their Private Client team in Leeds supports a diverse range of high-net-worth clients on intricate estate planning, trusts, tax, and succession issues. The firm is known for delivering tailored solutions with a personal touch, combining technical excellence with a collaborative, client-focused approach. This is a senior opportunity to make a real impact, advising on challenging and rewarding matters within a supportive, nationally recognised team.

About the Role

• Advising on residential development, site acquisitions, disposals, and regeneration projects
• Acting for registered providers, developers, and local authorities
• Drafting and negotiating development agreements, collaboration agreements, and related contracts
• Managing due diligence, title reviews, and risk assessments
• Supporting project delivery and client relationships alongside senior colleagues
• Assisting in supervising and developing junior team members

About You – Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 2+ years’ PQE in residential development or housing
• Experience advising on site acquisitions, development agreements, and associated infrastructure matters
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and organisational skills
• Ability to manage transactions and maintain excellent client service
• Team player with a collaborative approach

About You – Desirable

• Experience acting for registered providers or local authorities
• Knowledge of regeneration and mixed-tenure developments
• Interest in affordable housing and community-focused projects

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary with annual bonus
• Career progression and professional development support
• Investors in People Gold‑accredited firm, demonstrating a genuine commitment to colleague development and wellbeing
• Clear, structured pathways for career progression and leadership, with tailored training and mentoring at every stage
• Hybrid and flexible working model to support work‑life balance
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, prioritising mental, physical, and financial health, and a dedicated focus on inclusion and belonging
• Collaborative, supportive culture where your ideas and contributions are truly valued
• Opportunities to work on impactful, high‑profile cases with a diverse and ambitious client base
• Enhanced pension and private healthcare, plus a competitive annual bonus
• Regular team and social events, community engagement, and a strong sense of purpose beyond the day job

About Our Client

Our client is one of the UK’s leading law firms, known for its genuine commitment to people—both clients and colleagues. With a strong national presence and deep roots in the North, the firm is recognised for delivering technical excellence alongside a personal, approachable service. Their Private Client team is trusted by a diverse range of individuals and families, including high-net-worth clients, to navigate complex wealth, succession, and tax matters with sensitivity and expertise.

The firm’s culture is collaborative, inclusive, and ambitious, offering colleagues the freedom to shape their careers within a supportive environment. Continual investment in professional development, innovation, and wellbeing has earned the firm national recognition and multiple industry accolades. Joining this team means becoming part of a forward-thinking, people-first practice where your expertise and ideas are truly valued.

Location & Working Arrangements

Based in Leeds with flexible and hybrid working options available.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lee Hawthorne-Finch at [e-mail] / 0333 996 2882.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and supporting candidates throughout every stage of the hiring process.