At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team managing exciting property development projects and advising diverse clients.
- Company: Established legal practice with a strong reputation in property development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and mentoring junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in property development while enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years' PQE in property development with strong drafting and client management skills.
An established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Property Development Solicitor (5-8 years' PQE) to join its well-regarded property team. This role offers flexibility to be based in either Cardiff or Bangor, with a structured hybrid working arrangement available following successful completion of probation. This position is suited to a solicitor with strong, hands-on property development experience who can hit the ground running from day one. It is not suitable for candidates whose experience is limited to general commercial property work without a clear focus on development.
The successful candidate will play a key role within a collaborative development team, advising on a broad range of commercial and residential development matters. The role requires confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team, delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base including private developers, housing associations, and funders.
Key Responsibilities- Managing land acquisitions, including options, conditional contracts, and package deals
- Acting on conditional agreements for lease and pre-let arrangements
- Leading on site assembly matters, including planning agreements, adoption agreements, utility wayleaves, and substation transfers
- Supporting construction-related documentation as required
- Advising on funder requirements when acting for borrowers
- Undertaking detailed development due diligence when acting for funders
- Handling disposals of completed units and investment sales
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 5-8 years' PQE
- Demonstrable, substantive experience in property development work is essential
- Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision and deliver from the outset
- Strong drafting skills across acquisitions, disposals, and development documentation
- Experience advising across the full lifecycle of development projects
- Ability to provide clear, concise, and commercially focused advice
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Confidence handling complex or high-value matters
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong client relationship management and service delivery skills
- Ability to present technical legal advice in a practical, business-focused manner
- Commercially aware with a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Proactive and collaborative team player
- Professional, composed, and exercises sound judgement under pressure
- Confident operating with minimal supervision and able to integrate quickly into an active caseload
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues
- Involvement in business development and networking activities
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Clear opportunities for progression and long-term career development
- High-quality, varied development work
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Flexible working: choice of Cardiff or Bangor office base, plus hybrid working (2 days from home post-probation)
5PQE+ Property Development Solicitor (Cardiff / Bangor) employer: Simpson Judge
Join a well-regarded legal practice that values flexibility and employee growth, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With the option to work from either Cardiff or Bangor, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment, engaging in high-quality property development work while enjoying clear pathways for career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 5PQE+ Property Development Solicitor (Cardiff / Bangor)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the property development sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in property development. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on and how you’ve tackled challenges. We want to see that you can hit the ground running!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the company’s recent projects and their approach to property development. We recommend preparing some insightful questions to show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace 5PQE+ Property Development Solicitor (Cardiff / Bangor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your specific experience in property development. Highlight relevant projects and roles that showcase your hands-on expertise, as we want to see how you can hit the ground running!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your experience with land acquisitions and any notable successes in your career.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key in this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. We love seeing candidates who can present complex legal advice in a straightforward manner, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Cardiff or Bangor!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your property development knowledge. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, key legislation, and case studies relevant to the role. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your hands-on experience in property development. Be ready to discuss how you've managed land acquisitions or handled complex agreements. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to simulate a client meeting where you present technical legal advice in a business-focused manner. This will help you feel more comfortable during the actual interview.
✨Be Ready for Team Dynamics
As this position involves working within a collaborative team, think about how you can contribute to team success. Prepare to discuss your experiences working in teams, how you handle competing priorities, and your approach to mentoring junior colleagues if applicable.