Managing Associate | Housebuilding | 6+ PQE | Newcastle (Hybrid) Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

If you're a Housebuilding Solicitor looking for the next step in your career, this is one of the strongest opportunities currently available in the North East.

I'm working with a UK Top 100 law firm that is looking to appoint a Managing Associate (6+ PQE) into its nationally recognised Housebuilding team. This is a replacement hire following a relocation, meaning you'll be joining an established, high-performing team with an impressive client base and genuine long-term progression opportunities.

You'll work alongside highly regarded Partners advising a broad range of national, regional and SME housebuilders on high-value residential development work, whilst also taking on a visible leadership role within the team.

The Opportunity This is much more than a fee-earning position.

You'll become a key member of a collaborative team that works across multiple UK offices, taking ownership of complex development transactions while helping to shape the future growth of the practice.

The work includes:

• Advising national, regional and SME housebuilders on site acquisitions, strategic land assembly and disposals.
• Managing complex residential development projects from acquisition through to completion.
• Drafting and negotiating a full range of development documentation including:
  • Options
  • Promotion Agreements
  • Building Leases
  • Overage Agreements
  • Transfers
  • Development Contracts
• Undertaking due diligence and preparing detailed legal reports.
• Working closely with specialist Estate Set Up, Infrastructure and Plot Sales teams to ensure developments progress efficiently.
• Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors, trainees and paralegals.
• Building and strengthening client relationships.
• Playing an active role in business development and raising the profile of the wider Built Environment team.

Who I'm Looking For Ideally you'll have:

• 6+ years' PQE within Residential Development / Housebuilding.
• Strong experience acting for housebuilders on site acquisition and development work.
• Excellent drafting and technical ability.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to provide practical advice.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers (or an ambition to do so).
• A genuine interest in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex transactions.

This would suit someone who enjoys high-quality development work but is also looking for increased responsibility and a genuine opportunity to influence the growth of a successful national team.

Why This Opportunity? There are plenty of reasons this role stands out:

• Join a respected UK Top 100 law firm with an outstanding reputation in the residential development sector.
• High-quality national client base.
• Genuine leadership opportunity.
• Excellent career progression.
• Cross-office collaboration with recognised specialists.
• Hybrid working (typically 2 days in the office).
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a real focus on wellbeing and development.

Benefits Alongside a competitive salary, you'll also receive:

• Discretionary performance bonus.
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service to 28 days).
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Hybrid working.
• Matched pension contributions up to 6%.
• Private medical insurance options.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Headspace subscription.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Travel loan and additional flexible benefits.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Housebuilding Solicitor who wants to join a forward-thinking national firm where they can continue to develop technically, take on greater responsibility and play an important role in the continued growth of a highly successful team.

For a confidential discussion or to find out more, please get in touch with Beth Livings at QED Legal. All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.