Real Estate & Projects Solicitor (2–8 PQE)
London
Associate / Senior Associate Level
I am currently instructed on behalf of a highly regarded law firm to recruit a Real Estate & Projects Solicitor (2–8 PQE) into its established London team.
The firm is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK and has a strong reputation across construction, commercial litigation, corporate, employment, projects and property. It is particularly well known for its work within the social housing sector (Tier 1), acting for Registered Providers, private developers and investment funds on significant and often high-profile schemes nationwide. The real estate team sits at the heart of the firm’s practice and continues to experience sustained growth.
The Team & Work
The Real Estate & Projects team advises on a broad range of development-led transactions, acting on schemes ranging from small sites to multi-phase projects comprising thousands of units. The work regularly includes regeneration projects, joint ventures, care and leisure developments, and large-scale portfolio acquisitions and disposals.
This role will focus on site acquisition and development work, covering the full lifecycle of transactions from negotiation through to completion.
Key responsibilities include:
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Managing due diligence processes, including detailed title review, reporting and resolving complex title issues
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Reviewing and advising on section 106 agreements and planning consents
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Negotiating conditional contracts, option agreements and overage arrangements
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Drafting and negotiating development agreements, including those involving PLC housebuilders
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Advising on infrastructure and statutory agreements relating to the servicing of development sites
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Handling plot, block and phase leases and transfers
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Managing golden brick completions and post-completion matters
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Advising on transaction structuring considerations, including SDLT and VAT
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Supporting (and at senior level, leading) large-scale portfolio acquisitions and multi-phase residential schemes
At the more senior end (5–8 PQE), the role will also involve leading complex development acquisitions and disposals, supervising junior lawyers and paralegals, and playing an active role in client relationship development and team growth.
Candidate Profile
Applications are invited from solicitors with:
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2–8 years’ PQE in real estate with demonstrable experience in site acquisition and development work
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Strong drafting and negotiation skills
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Experience managing multiple matters and meeting demanding client deadlines
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Commercial awareness and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice
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Confidence handling client contact and working with minimal supervision
CILEx lawyers must hold Conveyancing Practice Rights. Experience advising Registered Providers or within the affordable housing sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
For a confidential discussion or further details, please get in touch anna.thompson@saccomann.com
If this is of interest, please feel free to submit your CV. We never send CVs to clients without your prior consent — I’ll always arrange a call first to discuss the role in detail and ensure it’s the right fit for you.