This isn’t a role for someone who just wants to inherit a caseload.

It’s for an experienced rural property lawyer who wants to lead a recognised practice, shape its direction and put their own stamp on it.

I’m working with a well-established full-service law firm in Newcastle with a strong reputation across the North East and nationally, servicing an established client base spanning businesses, landowners, rural enterprises and private clients.

Their Agriculture & Rural Services team is already well established and ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers. They’re now looking for a senior Real Estate lawyer to take responsibility for leading it.

The role is broader than simply being the senior property lawyer in the team. You’ll be the point person for the firm’s wider rural offering, whilst hopefully growing an already established team. 

The work itself is properly varied and includes the sale and purchase of farms, estates, forestry and rural land, agricultural tenancies, rural development projects, renewables, leases, option agreements, sporting leases, title issues, voluntary registrations, overage arrangements and wider land-use matters.

There is also a very clear strategic element.

You’ll be involved in shaping the direction of the team, developing client relationships, driving business development and deciding how the practice should grow over the coming years.

They’re looking for somebody with at least 7 years’ PQE, a strong grounding in agricultural and rural property work and enough commercial confidence to lead both people and client relationships.

What makes this one interesting is that you’re not being asked to build something from nothing.

There is already a recognised team, an established client base, cross-firm support and a junior lawyer in place. The opportunity is to take what is already there and move it forward.

If you’re a senior rural property solicitor who feels ready for a genuine leadership role rather than simply another fee-earning move, it’s worth a conversation.

Neil Campbell
QED Legal