Residential Property Partner in Lewes

An established and highly respected South East law firm is seeking an experienced Residential Property Solicitor to join its partnership team and lead the continued growth and development of its Residential Property offering from Lewes. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious senior lawyer who wants to make a genuine strategic impact. Unlike many partnership opportunities, this role is not dependent on bringing a client following. Instead, we are looking for a talented residential property specialist with the leadership skills, commercial awareness and vision to develop an already successful and well-regarded team for the long term.

The firm has built an outstanding reputation for delivering exceptional client service, combining traditional values with a modern, forward-thinking approach. With a strong presence across the South East and London, it advises a diverse client base ranging from private individuals and landed estates to developers, investors and high-net-worth property owners.

The Opportunity

As Partner and Head of the Residential Property team, you will take responsibility for both the operational management and strategic direction of the department. You will inherit a strong existing client base and work alongside highly experienced colleagues across property, private client and commercial disciplines. The team handles a broad range of high-value and complex residential property matters, including:

• Prime and high-value residential transactions
• Country houses and landed estates
• Listed and heritage properties
• Development and site acquisitions
• Portfolio acquisitions and disposals
• Lease extensions and new leases
• Transfers of equity
• Equity release matters
• Re-mortgages and refinancing
• Easements, licences and variations

Transactions regularly involve substantial values, with matters ranging up to approximately £50 million.

Key Responsibilities

Fee Earning

• Manage a varied caseload of residential property matters from instruction through to completion.
• Provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice to a high-quality client base.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, agents, surveyors and other professional contacts.
• Ensure transactions are progressed efficiently while maintaining exceptional standards of client care.
• Keep abreast of legislative, regulatory and market developments affecting the residential property sector.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the Residential Property team in Lewes.
• Mentor, supervise and support fee earners and support staff.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes and service delivery.
• Contribute to the wider strategic direction of the firm.
• Support business development initiatives and identify opportunities for growth.
• Foster collaboration across departments to maximise client opportunities and service excellence.
• Maintain robust compliance, risk management and quality standards.

About You

We are interested in speaking with experienced Residential Property Solicitors who can demonstrate:

• A minimum of 8 years' PQE in residential property law.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of residential property matters.
• Previous team management or supervisory experience.
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and a strategic mindset.
• A genuine passion for mentoring and developing others.
• The ability to balance leadership responsibilities with a high-quality caseload.
• A proactive, solutions-focused and collaborative approach.

Importantly

You do not need to bring a following or portable client base. This opportunity is focused on finding the right leader to build upon a successful existing practice, support the development of the team and help shape the future direction of the department.

Why Join?

• Partnership opportunity with genuine strategic influence.
• Established and highly regarded firm with an excellent reputation.
• Strong existing client base and quality referral network.
• High-value, complex and interesting residential property work.
• Supportive and collaborative culture.
• Clear commitment to professional development and wellbeing.
• Opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a growing practice.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive package of up to £90,000 DOE, plus partnership prospects and benefits.
• Private medical insurance.
• Group income protection.
• Medical cash plan.
• Virtual GP services.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• Retail and lifestyle discounts.
• Regular social and team events.