At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead residential development transactions and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading housebuilding practice with a focus on client relationships and team growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing while making a real impact in a growing team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 6+ years’ experience in residential development and strong communication skills.
If you’re a residential development lawyer who enjoys running complex land transactions, building client relationships, and taking a visible role in a growing team, this is a strong opportunity to step into a Managing Associate position within a busy housebuilding practice. Our client is looking to appoint an experienced Managing Associate to join their Housebuilding team within the wider Housing department. The role offers high levels of client contact, a genuine platform for business development, and the chance to help shape the team’s growth while mentoring junior colleagues. You’ll advise housebuilder clients on high-value site acquisitions, strategic land assembly, disposals and complex development projects. The work is varied and end-to-end, with close collaboration across specialist teams (including estate set up, infrastructure and plot sales) to support developments from land acquisition through to plot sales.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading on residential development transactions including site acquisitions, site assembly and disposals for national, regional and SME housebuilders
- Taking ownership of due diligence and providing clear, commercial advice
- Drafting and negotiating a full suite of development documents, which may include:
- Contracts
- Options
- Building leases
- Promotion agreements
- Transfers
- Overage agreements
- Detailed legal reports
- Supporting the delivery of developments from acquisition through to plot sales, working closely with colleagues across specialist teams
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals, providing leadership and guidance
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying opportunities to grow market share and service offering
- Playing an active role in business development and profile raising activity
- Keeping up to date with legal and market developments affecting the housing sector
What We’re Looking For
- A qualified Solicitor with ideally 6+ years’ PQE in housebuilder site acquisition and residential development work
- Strong technical skills with excellent drafting, negotiation and attention to detail
- Commercial, solutions-focused approach and sound judgement
- Confident communicator and relationship builder, comfortable engaging with clients and stakeholders
- Organised and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Interest in leadership, mentoring and developing junior talent
- Proactive approach to business development and networking, with willingness to travel occasionally
What’s On Offer
- Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension with employer matched contributions up to 6%
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 28 with service)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ holiday
- Life assurance (4x basic salary), with option to purchase additional cover
- Range of health and wellbeing benefits
- Hybrid working, with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the Leeds office
- Flexible benefits programme with options to tailor your package
Working Arrangements
This role is based in Leeds and is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 2 days per week working from the Leeds office.
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Managing Associate - Housebuilding in Leeds employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values autonomy and high standards of client care. Located in Leeds, the firm provides its employees with competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a health cash plan, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining this team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and encouraged.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate - Housebuilding in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate - Housebuilding in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions and the specific role of Managing Associate - Housebuilding. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
