At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our in-house legal team to manage property development transactions and provide expert advice.
- Company: Dandara, a leading independent property development company with over 100 awards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in property development while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 2-5 years PQE and strong real estate experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Today Dandara is one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, with more than 100 industry awards for design and quality – and it’s all thanks to the vision and passion of our dedicated team. Our attention-to-detail and commitment to excellence are second to none - since 1988 we've received over 100 industry awards for architecture, design and quality.
Role Overview
We are looking for an in-house lawyer (4–8 PQE) to join a busy in-house property development legal team. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role supporting the business across the full development lifecycle—from site acquisition and planning through construction, funding, sales/lettings and asset management. You will manage multiple matters concurrently, advise stakeholders at pace, and help keep transactions moving while ensuring risks are identified, explained and appropriately managed.
What you will do
- Development/Real Estate
- Run and support site acquisitions and disposals (freehold and leasehold), including title review, due diligence, conditions precedent management, and completions.
- Review and negotiate conditional contracts, options, overage agreements, development agreements, and associated ancillary documentation.
- Support lettings/sales workstreams including agreements for lease, variations, licences, and general landlord and tenant issues.
- Provide pragmatic advice on property risk (title defects, easements/rights, restrictive covenants, access, utilities, environmental), escalating higher-risk issues appropriately.
- Supporting plot sales workstreams including site set up, preparation and settling precedent form sales documents and providing general support for the in-house plot sales team.
- Planning
- Support planning workstreams by coordinating legal input on planning conditions/obligations and liaising with external counsel where required (e.g., section agreements), ensuring risks and dependencies are understood by the project team.
- Commercial
- Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts relevant to a developer (e.g., professional services, agency/broker, marketing, NDAs).
- Provide governance/execution support: approvals, execution formalities, and document management.
- External Counsel & Operational Excellence
- Instruct, manage and challenge external counsel; control cost and ensure quality and responsiveness.
- Triage and prioritise incoming work; set realistic timelines; proactively communicate status and next steps.
- Contribute to continuous improvement: templates, playbooks, checklists, and ways of working.
What you will have
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with 2–5 years PQE.
- Strong experience in real estate transactions with meaningful exposure to property development work (private practice and/or in-house).
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with sound commercial judgment.
- Ability to manage a high volume of matters under time pressure with good organisation and attention to detail.
- Strong stakeholder management—able to influence non-lawyers and give clear, pragmatic advice.
- Exposure to BTR, residential development, regeneration/mixed-use, or portfolio asset management.
- Prior in-house experience.
What we will offer you:
Dandara was established in 1988 from the desire to provide innovative homes and commercial properties, which would offer real value for money without compromising on design, durability, or quality. Today Dandara is one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, with over 10,000 happy customers and more than 100 industry awards for design and quality – and it’s all thanks to the vision and passion of our dedicated team.
- £Competitive basic salary
- Car Allowance
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme - EAP
- Health Hero digital doctor - 24 hr virtual help and appointments
- Health Assured Wisdom App
- Competitive parental leave
- 3x salary life assurance (paid option to increase to x4)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employer matched pension scheme of up to 5%
- Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking and reduced gym membership
Property Lawyer - Altrincham in Shelton employer: Dandara
Dandara is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Altrincham where innovation and quality are at the forefront of property development. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a discretionary bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and a generous holiday allowance, Dandara fosters a culture of excellence and support, making it an ideal place for Property Lawyers looking to advance their careers while contributing to award-winning projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Property Lawyer - Altrincham in Shelton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property sector, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Property Lawyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dandara and understanding their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Property Lawyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Dandara team and ready to dive into the property development world.
We think you need these skills to ace Property Lawyer - Altrincham in Shelton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Property Lawyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in real estate transactions and property development, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your excellent drafting and negotiation skills shine through. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully managed multiple matters under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dandara
✨Know Your Property Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your property law knowledge, especially around site acquisitions, planning conditions, and commercial contracts. Being able to discuss recent developments in property law will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing multiple transactions or advising stakeholders under pressure. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, as this will demonstrate your practical skills.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Dandara values strong stakeholder management, so be ready to discuss how you've influenced non-lawyers and provided clear, pragmatic advice in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about Dandara's projects or their approach to risk management in property development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
