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- Tasks: Provide expert advice on residential development and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join a top-tier law firm recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Lead complex projects and shape the future of housing development in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experienced residential lawyer with strong technical skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and personal development in a vibrant Leeds office.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal Associate to join our Housing Development and Regeneration (HDR) team based in Leeds.
Main Purpose of the Role
The purpose of this role is to provide cutting edge specialist advice on all aspects of residential development and housing led work, to develop and maintain strong client relationships and to become immersed in the residential development market. The role covers work streams involving title due diligence, land acquisition (both short and long term) and some of the more nuanced elements of residential development work whereby we add real value to client relationships and projects. The role presents the opportunity for an experienced solicitor looking to develop their career in residential development, working as part of one of the biggest residential development teams in the country and for some of the top house builders and residential developers in the market. The role envisages the successful candidate contributing to the growth of our business in the north and there are significant opportunities to develop a leadership career path in our Leeds office. Initiative, ambition and new ideas are welcomed and encouraged. As Principal Associate (6 PQE) you will be encouraged to lead on complex transactions, supervising and developing junior staff and coordinating multi specialist teams.
About The Team
The Housing Development and Regeneration team, one of the top teams in the country, sits within our Real Estate Group, the third largest Real Estate practice in the UK. The team comprises 12 partners, supported by a team of lawyers and paralegals, advising on all aspects of residential development and housing led regeneration. This role is based in our recently established Leeds office that spearheads our Housing Development and Regeneration team's operations across the north. Our Leeds team is the regional leader in all aspects of residential development across the north and is headed up by Partner Julia Field supported by eight other fee earners. We act for house builders, mixed use developers, affordable housing providers, landowners (public and private) and investors in the residential sector. The housing sector continues to be a key area of investment for the government, supported by opposition parties, and demographic demand requires a continuing increase in supply. Our large, experienced team and excellent client base has a proven track record of resilience in times of market downturn which has enabled us to capitalise on housing sector growth during stable market periods.
About You
Applications are welcomed from experienced and ambitious residential lawyers with strong technical skills, commercial awareness, and a collaborative approach. The role will be wide ranging but key skills will include:
- Managing your own caseload to tight deadlines, remain calm under pressure and prioritise your workload effectively
- Working in a team environment (which may involve working as part of a larger project team) and support your colleagues
- Supervising and developing junior colleagues
- Giving clear, practical advice with sound commercial judgment and swift accurate implementation of instructions
- Negotiating effectively and delivering commercial solutions for our clients
- Communicating appropriately at all levels within the team and the wider business as well as with clients, agents and other parties
- Working closely and collaboratively with Gowling WLG team members, clients, and other professionals (e.g. local authorities, agents, surveyors, consultants, accountants and others)
- Contributing to business development and marketing
- Assisting on tenders to prospective clients including potential to take part in the pitch teams
- Taking responsibility for management functions and projects within the business appropriate to your experience
What We Can Offer You
The opportunity to work for a firm which has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years. Excellent benefits, including:
- A hybrid approach to office and remote working.
- Generous annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave
- Free private medical insurance, and the option to add family members
- A generous pension allowance
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary
- The chance of a three-month sabbatical every five years
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes
- A range of health and wellbeing programmes
- State of the art offices, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, with an onsite restaurant
- Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development.
Many of our people work flexibly in some way. If you would like to explore your own flexible working arrangements with us, we are happy to discuss this during the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunities
Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re‑assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.
If you have any queries in relation to this position or would like to see a full job description, please contact Nana Panti-Amoa.
Principal Associate - Housing Development & Regeneration - Leeds employer: Gowling WLG
Contact Detail:
Gowling WLG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Associate - Housing Development & Regeneration - Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the housing development sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience in residential development. Share specific examples of how you've added value in past roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in housing development and regeneration. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones, showing your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Associate - Housing Development & Regeneration - Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in residential development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since we value collaboration, share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Whether it’s leading a project or supporting colleagues, let us know how you contribute to a positive team environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate direct communication that gets to the point while still reflecting your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in residential development and housing regeneration. Familiarise yourself with key legislation, market dynamics, and recent projects that have made waves in the sector. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Associate, you'll be expected to lead and develop junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive results, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Client-Centric
Demonstrate your understanding of client relationships by discussing how you've built and maintained strong connections in previous roles. Share specific instances where your advice led to successful outcomes for clients, showcasing your commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the team, the firm's approach to housing development, and future projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.
