At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape your in-house legal career with real estate and planning expertise.
- Company: Join Womble Bond Dickinson, a leading international law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexibility, competitive salary, remote work options, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Experience a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working closely with clients in diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: 3-8 years' PQE in real estate or planning law, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is a leading international law firm known for combining legal excellence with a genuinely collaborative, client‑focused approach. Through WBD Advance InHouse, we provide high‑calibre lawyers to work directly within our clients' legal teams, offering flexibility, variety and genuine in‑house experience backed by the strength of a top‑tier law firm.
At Womble Bond Dickinson, we've always believed great legal careers don't follow a single path. That belief sits at the heart of WBD Advance InHouse — our flexible legal resourcing solution designed for lawyers who want high‑quality work, real variety and genuine balance. There is no “one size fits all” approach at WBD Advance InHouse. You choose how you'd like to be engaged: as a permanent employee, on a fixed‑term contract, or on a consultancy basis.
We are growing our core permanent team of WBD Advance InHouse Lawyers and are also open to those who prefer the flexibility of a fixed‑term contract. We're keen to speak with Real Estate or Planning Lawyers with 3–8 years' PQE, ideally with experience gained in‑house or through secondments, though we also welcome applications from private practice lawyers looking to broaden their experience in an in‑house environment.
You’ll bring strong technical expertise in real estate and/or planning matters, alongside a pragmatic, commercial mindset. The ability to quickly integrate into new environments and build strong relationships with stakeholders across our clients' businesses is essential. You’ll be curious, collaborative and comfortable representing WBD within client teams. Part of the role involves strengthening client relationships and working with relevant WBD Partners to identify opportunities for growth with the clients you support.
To Be Successful, You’ll Need:
- A minimum of 3 years' PQE as a Solicitor qualified in England & Wales, Scotland or another common law jurisdiction
- Experience advising on real estate and/or planning matters, such as:
- Commercial property transactions
- Landlord and tenant matters
- Development and regeneration projects
- Planning applications, appeals and inquiries
- Infrastructure, energy or transport‑related planning work
- Experience working in‑house, on secondment, or advising in‑house teams from private practice
- A commercial, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to work autonomously within a client environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships quickly
Why WBD InHouse?
WBD InHouse offers something different. You’ll be embedded within our clients' businesses, delivering practical, commercial advice while enjoying the support, resources and backing of a leading international law firm. As a permanent WBD Advance InHouse employee, you’ll be consistently seconded to our clients' legal teams, performing the role of an in‑house lawyer while remaining fully integrated into Womble Bond Dickinson, with access to the same resources, know‑how and training opportunities as our fee‑earners. This model offers both stability and variety, with secondments across a wide range of sectors. Alternatively, joining us on a fixed‑term contract for the duration of a secondment offers flexibility between assignments while still benefiting from the same resources, know‑how and training as permanent team members.
What You’ll Get:
- High‑quality, meaningful in‑house work with leading organisations
- Exposure to different sectors, teams and challenges
- Continued development of your technical and soft skills
- The backing, resources and support of Womble Bond Dickinson, plus the community of the WBD Advance InHouse team
- A culture that values collaboration, innovation and doing things the right way
- Flexibility — we support full‑time and part‑time working patterns, and most secondments are fully remote or hybrid
- Access to WBD's employee benefits
If you're a real estate or planning lawyer ready for your next chapter — or a private practice lawyer looking to gain high‑quality in‑house experience — we'd love to talk. Discover how flexible in‑house law can really be with WBD Advance InHouse.
InHouse Lawyer (Real Estate & Planning) employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is an exceptional employer that champions a flexible and collaborative work culture, allowing In-House Lawyers to thrive in diverse environments while receiving unparalleled support from a leading international law firm. With opportunities for meaningful engagement in high-quality legal work across various sectors, WBD fosters continuous professional development and offers the flexibility of permanent or fixed-term roles, ensuring a balanced and rewarding career path for its employees.
Contact Details:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land InHouse Lawyer (Real Estate & Planning)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work in real estate and planning. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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 potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in real estate and planning matters. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered results. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! WBD offers various ways to engage, whether it’s a permanent role or a fixed-term contract. Show that you’re adaptable and ready to take on different types of projects. This mindset can really impress hiring managers looking for someone who fits into their dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining WBD and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on all our latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace InHouse Lawyer (Real Estate & Planning)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the InHouse Lawyer role. Highlight your real estate and planning expertise, and don’t forget to mention any in-house experience or secondments you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for WBD. Be sure to mention why you’re excited about the flexibility and variety we offer.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Strong communication is key in this role. In your application, demonstrate how you've built relationships with stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated complex legal matters in a clear and concise way.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your real estate and planning law knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your technical expertise and commercial mindset.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Womble Bond Dickinson values flexibility, so be prepared to talk about how you can adapt to different environments. Share examples of how you've successfully integrated into new teams or handled varying workloads in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Since strong communication skills are key, think of ways to demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships quickly. You might want to share anecdotes about how you've collaborated with clients or colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in WBD's approach and culture. Inquire about their client relationships or how they support their lawyers' development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
