Associate, Real Estate​/Residential Development

Overview

A leading UK and international law firm with a strong reputation in real estate and private capital is seeking an experienced Residential Real Estate Development Associate (4-7 PQE) to join its specialist Development team. This role is centred on acting for major house builders, residential developers, landowners, investors, and private capital clients across a wide range of residential and mixed‑use development schemes.

• Advising on the full lifecycle of residential development projects
  , including site acquisition, land assembly, strategic land matters, planning‑related issues, construction interfaces, and onward disposals.
• Handling conditional contracts, option agreements, promotion agreements, overage arrangements
  , development agreements, and collaboration agreements relevant to residential schemes.
• Acting on large‑scale residential development sites
  , including urban regeneration, suburban extensions, build‑to‑sell, build‑to‑rent, and mixed‑use projects.
• Managing infrastructure and services arrangements
  , including easements, utilities, adoption agreements, and development‑related covenants.
• Structuring and negotiating plot sales documentation
  , overseeing plot sale processes (where relevant), and coordinating with sales teams and external agents.
• Working closely with planning, construction, corporate, and tax colleagues on multi‑disciplinary project work.
• Overseeing due diligence processes, including title investigation, risk analysis, and remediation strategies for development land.
• Supervising junior associates and trainees, supporting team training and knowledge development.
• Playing an active role in client relationship management and contributing to business development within the residential sector.

• Qualified solicitor with 4-7 years PQE in real estate, with specific experience in residential or mixed‑use development
  .
• Strong grounding in land acquisition/development work, including conditional contracts and strategic land transactions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• A commercial mindset with the ability to juggle multiple complex work streams and manage client expectations.
• Comfortable taking responsibility for files and progressing matters with appropriate autonomy.
• Team‑oriented, proactive, and capable of mentoring more junior team members.

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy.