At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team delivering impactful residential development projects in social housing.
- Company: Birketts LLP, a top UK law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, profit share, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through affordable housing initiatives.
- Qualifications: 6+ years PQE in residential development law, preferably in social housing.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Associate / Legal Director role at Birketts LLP. Birketts is a full-service, UK Top 50 law firm with more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based across Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
The Residential Development Team at Birketts includes 5 partners and 40 other fee earners at all levels working collaboratively across six of Birketts’ seven offices. The team also works closely with other Birketts’ teams, which includes full support from tax, planning, environmental, construction and Real Estate litigation teams, and will include close liaison with our specialist contentious Social Housing management team. Working with that team enables great access to a significant number of Registered Providers for whom the firm acts. The Residential Development Team sits within Birketts’ highly regarded and one of the UK’s largest dedicated Real Estate teams. Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters. This role will have a particular focus on the Social Housing sector.
Accountabilities:
- This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that plays a key role in the delivery of residential development projects, with a particular focus on the social housing sector.
- You will be involved in transactions that support affordable housing and community development, working closely with housing associations, developers, and local authorities.
- The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to RP clients.
- You will be responsible for:
- Ensuring client needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency.
- Maintaining and growing client relationships and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the team and the firm.
- Providing support and training to junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Participating in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
- Acquisitions of housing development sites for RPs through a variety of contract structures for RPs, including land‑led and strategic land schemes.
- Acquisitions of "s.106 sites" for RPs from private housebuilders, including drafting and negotiation of development agreements (turnkey and golden brick).
- Experienced in checking s106 affordable housing provisions to ensure compliance with grant funding requirements.
- Dealing with golden brick completions and handover arrangements.
- Negotiating Nomination Agreements on behalf of Registered Providers.
- Site‑set‑up work for Registered Providers and liaison to the plot sales sub‑team within the Residential Development Team on shared ownership completions.
- Drafting and negotiating Infrastructure Agreements and all aspects of estate infrastructure transfers and easements for Registered Providers.
- Drafting and negotiating Management Agreements and Service Level Agreements on behalf of Registered Providers.
The candidate:
- A minimum of 6 years PQE in a professional legal environment.
- Well‑developed knowledge in all areas of residential development law with a bias towards the social housing sector.
- Contribute to thought leadership and social housing sector‑focused marketing initiatives.
- Ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development.
- Established client base or network within the Social Housing sector (preferred but not essential).
- Experience building credibility and trust through effective relationships.
- To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation.
- Business development acumen with experience in growing a client base and identifying new business opportunities.
Birketts has designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As a Senior Associate, we typically expect candidates to have a minimum of 6 years PQE. Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service.
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed).
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme.
- Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share).
- Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance.
- Paid CSR Day.
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
- Subsidised gym membership.
- Electric car scheme.
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy.
- Dress for your Day Policy.
Seniority level: Mid‑senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Legal. Industries: Law Practice.
Senior Associate / Legal Director - Residential Development (Social Housing) in Cambridge employer: Birketts LLP
Contact Detail:
Birketts LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Legal Director - Residential Development (Social Housing) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and local meet-ups to connect with professionals in the social housing sector. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or sharing insights on social media about residential development law. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly! If you’ve got your eye on Birketts, drop them a message or connect on LinkedIn. Express your interest in the Senior Associate role and highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Birketts and are keen to contribute to their mission in the social housing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Legal Director - Residential Development (Social Housing) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Associate / Legal Director role. Highlight your experience in residential development law, especially in the social housing sector, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your PQE and any relevant achievements. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, particularly in areas like acquisitions and negotiations within the social housing space.
Be Personable: We love a bit of personality! When writing your application, let your passion for social housing shine through. Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team’s success.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on residential development law, especially in the social housing sector. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies and legislation that could impact your role. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving housing associations or local authorities. Highlight your role in negotiations and how you’ve contributed to successful outcomes. Real-life examples will make your experience more relatable and impressive.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their work and the team dynamics. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being a part of their culture and contributing positively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior lawyers, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've supported team members in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment at Birketts.
