Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Managing Associate
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Role: Managing Associate - Development and Housebuilding Team
Location: Leeds or Manchester with Hybrid working in place
Salary: £72K to £80K DOE
Douglas Scott are working with an established and growing national law firm seeking an experienced Managing Associate to join its highly regarded Residential Development team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a development solicitor looking to take the next step in their career, working alongside leading sector specialists on high-profile residential development projects for a diverse housebuilder client base.
The Opportunity
Joining a collaborative and ambitious team, you will advise national, regional and SME housebuilders on a broad range of residential development matters from acquisition through to disposal.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising on site acquisitions, site assembly projects and disposals
- Managing legal due diligence exercises and preparing detailed reports for developer clients
- Drafting and negotiating a range of development documents, including:
- Option Agreements
- Promotion Agreements
- Building Leases
- Transfers
- Overage Agreements
- Development Contracts
- Supporting the successful delivery of residential development schemes from initial acquisition through to plot sales
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, trainees, and paralegals
- Working closely with partners to support team development and growth
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Contributing to business development initiatives, networking activities, and profile-raising opportunities across the built environment sector
- Collaborating with specialists across real estate, planning, construction, and property litigation teams
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About You
Applications are welcomed from qualified solicitors with significant experience in residential development and housebuilder work.
You will ideally have:
- 6+ years' PQE gained within a recognised residential development or real estate team
- Strong experience advising housebuilders on land acquisition and development matters
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and client management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
- Experience supervising junior team members or a desire to develop leadership responsibilities
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A genuine interest in business development and growing client relationships
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What's on Offer?
- High-quality residential development work for a strong housebuilder client base
- A clear career progression pathway
- Genuine client contact and responsibility
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- Exposure to major residential development projects
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please get in touch.
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