At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on land and development transactions while managing your own caseload.
- Company: Join Holmes & Hills, a leading regional law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus structure, 28 days leave, and a modern working environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team recognised for excellence in legal services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in property development and build lasting client relationships.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 7+ years of experience in property development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Land and Development Property Solicitor, based in our A12 Commercial Hub, to support the strategic growth of Holmes & Hills’ Commercial Property service offering alongside and in partnership with the firm’s existing Legal 500 Commercial Property team. You will have a proven track record in delivering expert legal advice and high service levels to clients, whilst working independently on your own caseload of high‑level transactions. You will deal with a varied caseload delivering strategic advice on setting up sites for sale, option agreements, conditional contracts, promotion agreements, selling and buying development sites, including dealing with deferred consideration and overage.
A typical caseload would include:
- Acting for a landowner entering into a joint venture with a developer for eco houses (value circa £3 million).
- Acting for a purchaser of a commercial plot and build‑contact (built value £8.5 million).
- Acting for a developer in connection with purchasing a site for development (60 units).
- Acting for a landowner in connection with an option with a large developer (minimum £3.5 million), including variation of the current option agreement and a new agreement with a neighbour regarding access.
- Acting for landlords in connection with a promotion agreement (Deed of Variation number 3, minimum value £3.6 million).
- Acting for landowners in restructuring, including planning team diversion of a bridleway and obtaining planning permission before proceeding with sale to a developer.
- Acting for a landowner part of a consortium of seven in a new town project in South Essex, with the largest landowner entering into an option with a promoter and adding additional land (minimum original value £150 million).
- Acting for a promoter and developer purchasing approximately 100 units every year.
- Current matters involving site advice, promotion agreement, and freehold purchase.
What Experience Do I Need? You must be a qualified solicitor (7 years+ PQE) and able to demonstrate solid experience in property development acting for landowners and/or developers in a variety of development‑led transactions.
What Skills Should I Have?
- Strong communication skills.
- Pro‑active thinker.
- Great marketing and networking skills.
- Self‑motivated and organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
- Ability to impart key information in a manner that is easily understood.
- Willingness to work collaboratively with other departments in the firm.
- Ability to network with industry professionals and intermediaries.
What Are We Offering? A competitive salary, with a bonus structure and additional benefits including 28 days annual leave, and a modern, agile working environment.
About Us Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. We work in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long‑standing relationships, protect clients’ interests and support their growth and development. Our large team of legal experts works in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor, we understand clients’ needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach. Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading supplier of legal services in the region, giving our clients confidence in the quality of the advice and representation we provide.
Senior Associate – Land & Development Solicitor in Colchester employer: Holmes & Hills Solicitors
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible working environment that fosters professional development for its employees. With a competitive salary, 28 days of annual leave, and the chance to work across various teams in Braintree, this role provides meaningful opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dynamic legal setting.
Contact Details:
Holmes & Hills Solicitors Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Land & Development Solicitor in Colchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Land & Development Solicitor in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Holmes & Hills Solicitors, 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.
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Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Holmes & Hills Solicitors and the specific role of Senior Associate – Land & Development Solicitor. 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Holmes & Hills Solicitors
✨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.
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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.
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