Role: Legal Director - Commercial Property
Location: Sheffield
Salary: £80,000 to £130,000, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid - approximately 50% office and 50% home
Progression: Defined Route to Equity
The Opportunity
CRA Consulting is working exclusively with a highly regarded national law firm to appoint a Legal Director who will lead and develop its Commercial Property offering in Sheffield. This is a significant strategic appointment and an opportunity to build a market-leading property practice with the backing, resources and client base of an established national firm. The successful candidate will take a leading role in shaping the direction of the Sheffield team, developing client relationships and creating new opportunities across the firm's wider network. A clearly mapped pathway to equity will be discussed from the outset, with defined expectations and milestones. The position may suit an established Legal Director seeking greater autonomy, a proven Senior Associate ready for leadership or an ambitious commercial property lawyer looking for a genuine platform from which to build a practice.
The Role
You will lead a broad range of high-quality commercial property work, including:
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Commercial landlord and tenant matters
- Property investment and asset management
- Real estate development
- Secured lending and property finance
- Portfolio management
- Corporate occupier work
- Strategic property advice
Alongside managing your own matters, you will assume responsibility for the continued development of the Sheffield Commercial Property practice. Your wider responsibilities will include:
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with key clients
- Leading pitches, tenders and business development initiatives
- Identifying cross-referral opportunities across the national business
- Developing a clear growth strategy for the Sheffield property team
- Supervising, mentoring and developing other lawyers
- Setting consistently high technical and client-service standards
- Supporting recruitment and future team growth
- Contributing to departmental profitability and wider firm strategy
The firm is looking for somebody who wants genuine influence over how the practice develops rather than simply inheriting another senior fee-earning position.
The Candidate
You will be a UK-qualified Commercial Property Solicitor with substantial experience in commercial real estate. Approximately eight years' PQE or above is anticipated as a guide, although applications will be considered according to individual experience and capability. You should be able to demonstrate:
- Experience leading complex commercial property transactions
- Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of real estate matters
- A proven ability to develop and retain client relationships
- Experience supervising or mentoring other lawyers
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of departmental performance
- Confidence representing the firm within the regional business community
- A credible approach to business development and practice growth
- The ambition to progress towards equity
An existing client following would be welcomed but is not necessarily essential. The firm is equally interested in candidates with strong market relationships, a clear business plan and the ability to convert opportunities with the support of a national platform.
Salary, Benefits and Progression
The firm offers a highly competitive package, including:
- Basic salary of £80,000 to £130,000
- Annual individual performance bonus
- Company-wide bonus, with the potential to be worth approximately 20% of salary
- Clearly defined pathway to equity
- Hybrid working, split approximately 50% between the office and home
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private healthcare
- National resources, infrastructure and cross-referral opportunities
- Support for business development and profile building
- Autonomy to influence the structure and growth of the Sheffield team
Why Consider This Role?
Opportunities offering this combination of autonomy, national backing and a genuine route to equity are rare within the Sheffield market. This appointment provides the platform to lead a team, build a practice and develop your own profile while benefiting from the resources, established client relationships and reach of a respected national firm. All conversations will be handled in complete confidence, and an initial discussion can take place without any commitment to enter a formal recruitment process.
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Commercial Property Legal Director in Leeds employer: CRA Legal
CRA Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that promotes both professional growth and personal well-being. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a strong emphasis on employee development, you will thrive in a culture that values quality and autonomy while managing a diverse caseload of claims. Join us to be part of a supportive team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
