Residential Development Lawyer (2-6 PQE)

This is an opportunity for a residential development lawyer around 2-6 PQE to join a national firm's established housebuilding group in Leeds. The role has been created as part of continued growth in the firm's residential development practice, driven by sustained client demand and a steady pipeline of work across regional and national housebuilders. The team is well resourced and known for its technical depth, offering a platform to develop broad, rounded expertise in residential development rather than narrow specialism.

About the firm
The firm is a leading UK practice with a long-standing reputation in residential development. Its housebuilding group is sizeable, collaborative and focused on technical quality and long-term client relationships. Teams work closely across disciplines, creating a supportive environment with strong knowledge-sharing and clear training structures.

Role overview

• Acting for national and regional housebuilders, developers, housing associations, landowners, local authorities and investors

• Advising on routine and more complex residential development transactions

• Drafting and negotiating conditional and unconditional contracts, options and overage agreements

• Handling strategic land matters, including collaboration and promotion agreements

• Advising on infrastructure agreements, deeds of easement and golden-brick transactions

• Working alongside planning, construction and tax specialists on larger and more complex schemes

Candidate profile

• Likely to suit a residential development lawyer around 2-6 PQE as a guide

• Experience acting for housebuilders, developers, promoters or landowners

• Comfortable managing routine development transactions with appropriate supervision

• Exposure to strategic land, VAT and SDLT issues is advantageous but not essential

• A collaborative working style and a genuine interest in residential development work

Offer and benefits

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Flexible working arrangements

• Strong technical support and structured training within a large specialist team

What now?
If this role sounds of interest, an initial conversation can take place discreetly, and you don't need a CV to start.

For more information, please contact Joe Rees at Thornton Legal on 07903 222 898 or joe@thorntonlegal.co.uk.

Thornton Legal connects talented lawyers with leading law firms across the North West, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands. We believe in straightforward, transparent recruitment that focuses on quality relationships, not volume.

Joe Rees Director and Recruiter

+44 (0) 7903 222 898

joe@thorntonlegal.co.uk