Principal Associate - Residential Development- Leeds

Real Estate

Location: Leeds & West Yorkshire
Type: permanent
Job Reference: 5492

Principal Associate - Housing Development & Regeneration | Leeds

Shape the future of residential development across the north
An exceptional opportunity exists for a Principal Associate to join one of the UK's premier Housing Development and Regeneration teams. This is a high-profile role in our Leeds office, offering genuine partnership prospects and the chance to lead one of the region's most respected residential development practices.

The Opportunity

Our Housing Development and Regeneration team sits within the UK's third largest Real Estate practice and is recognised as one of the top teams nationally. With 12 partners and a proven track record across market cycles, we're seeking a senior lawyer to take a leadership role in our Leeds office, which spearheads our operations across the north.

This is a role for someone who wants to make their mark, drive business growth and build a long-term leadership career in residential development. You'll work autonomously, lead complex transactions, develop client relationships at the highest level and mentor the next generation of housing development lawyers.

Your Responsibilities

Leading and originating high-value, complex residential development transactions
Acting as trusted advisor to major housebuilders, developers and public sector bodies
Managing and developing teams, including supervising associates and junior lawyers
Taking ownership of key client relationships and contributing significantly to client retention and growth
Driving business development, leading pitches and identifying new opportunities across the Yorkshire and wider northern region
Providing strategic oversight on mixed-use developments, regeneration schemes and institutional investment transactions
Working collaboratively with our 12-partner team and multi-disciplinary specialists across the firm
Taking on significant management and leadership responsibilities within the practice

The Work

You'll advise on the full spectrum of residential development matters including strategic land acquisitions and disposals, option and promotion agreements, joint ventures and consortium arrangements, overage and security, planning and infrastructure agreements, development agreements, PRS schemes, public sector regeneration and investor transactions. Our clients include Barratt, Taylor Wimpey, Vistry, Persimmon, Bloor, Miller Homes, Harworth, Muse, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and numerous other market leaders.

What You'll Bring

Qualified solicitor with substantial PQE and deep expertise in residential development
Demonstrable track record of leading complex transactions and managing significant client relationships
Strong leadership capabilities with experience supervising and developing legal teams
Commercial acumen, strategic thinking and ability to provide clear, practical advice under pressure
Proven business development skills with ability to win new work and grow existing relationships
Excellent negotiation and communication skills at all levels
Ambition to progress to partnership and contribute to strategic decision-making
Commitment to excellence in client service and building long-term relationships

What Sets This Role Apart

Genuine partnership track within a nationally recognised team
Leadership role in our Leeds office with significant autonomy and influence
Work on some of the most significant residential development projects in the north
Collaborative culture where initiative, ambition and new ideas are welcomed
Support from 12 experienced partners and a robust infrastructure
Market-leading clients and resilient practice area with continuing government investment

Our Offer

Highly competitive remuneration package
Hybrid working with flexibility
25 days annual leave plus buy additional days
Private medical insurance for you and your family
Generous pension scheme
Life assurance (4x salary)
Three-month sabbatical every five years
Comprehensive professional development and leadership training
Work for a firm ranked by Great Place to Work® for 24 consecutive years

This is a defining career opportunity for an ambitious lawyer ready to step into a senior leadership position within one of the country's leading residential development practices. If you have the vision, expertise and drive to excel, we want to hear from you.

Please contact Kim Wilkes at Think Legal for more information – kim@thinklegalrecruitment.com

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