Development Lawyer

Development LawyerLocation:Flexible across multiple offices in Lincolnshire and the MidlandsSalary:Competitive, dependent on experienceOverviewA leading regional law firm with a strong property and development practice is seeking a confident, proactive, and ambitious Property Lawyer to join its Development Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with national house builder and developer clients, supporting the firms specialist New Build Team.The RoleThe successful candidate will handle a broad range of Development matters, including:

• Title investigation and due diligence work, including complex site set-ups
• Drafting and negotiating conditional contracts, option agreements, promotion agreements, and overage agreements
• Supporting the New Build Team with management schemes and plot sales documentation for new build properties
• Disposals of land, affordable housing, and freehold reservations
• Acting for landowners in disposals
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents associated with development processes, including easements, infrastructure agreements, planning agreements, and licences

The role also requires contributing to business development initiatives in line with the firms Marketing Policy to enhance the profile of the property team.Key Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing service to existing clients
• Work with Partners and Fee Earners to develop new business opportunities
• Maximise cross-referrals across offices and practice areas
• Produce fee income in line with targets and objectives
• Stay informed of changes in law and practice in property and development
• Maintain up-to-date legal skills
• Financial control of own caseload, including billing and cash flow management
• Maintain accurate records of time spent on client and internal work
• Perform fee-earning work accurately and reliably, following the firms quality and risk procedures

Person SpecificationEssential

• Qualified lawyer or equivalent legal experience
• Passion for Commercial Property, with a focus on Residential Development
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and high computer literacy
• Understanding of Solicitors Account Rules and Money Laundering Regulations
• Knowledge of case management systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to provide practical, commercial advice
• Confident working independently and managing workloads
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Marketing and business development experience
• Ability to create and maintain strong client relationships
• High level of integrity and professionalism

Desirable

• Knowledge of the house building sector or prior experience in commercial property or development law
• Previous experience with Visual Files and SOS Connect

Attributes

• Positive, flexible, and professional approach
• Hardworking and proactive attitude
• Sense of humour
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet tight deadlines

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement
• Staff discount on legal fees
• Income protection
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Salary exchange pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme