Real Estate Development Legal Director

Real Estate Development Legal Director | Leeds

This is a real estate practice that arrived in Leeds less than a decade ago and now sits comfortably in rankings of Legal 500 and Chambers, alongside the established national and international names. That trajectory tells you a lot about the team: ambitious, commercially sharp, and not afraid to disrupt the status quo. The firm is now looking for a Legal Director to help write the next chapter.

The opportunity
You will focus on complex development and investment work across industrial, office, logistics, retail, and the living sectors. The team advises on the full development lifecycle, from conditional land acquisition and securing pre-lets, through forward funding and construction contracting, to the disposal of completed investments. You will lead transactions, manage key client relationships, and help shape the strategic direction of the Leeds practice.

You will not be operating in a silo. The real estate division is one of the largest and most respected in the UK, with over 460 professionals and 50+ partners. Specialists in planning, environmental law, real estate tax, construction, and banking sit alongside you, so when a deal demands multi-disciplinary input, you have it immediately to hand. This is a platform built for complex, high-value work, and you will have the autonomy and backing to make the most of it.

Mentoring and developing junior lawyers will be part of your role, as will contributing to business development and the continued growth of the Leeds office. The firm invests heavily in its people, offering structured career development within a supportive and flexible culture.

About you
You are a commercial real estate lawyer with eight or more years of experience, much of it spent on development and investment transactions. You understand the full lifecycle, you negotiate with confidence, and you give advice that is both technically rigorous and commercially grounded. You are ready for a leadership role that combines hands-on deal work with the chance to shape a practice.

You are motivated, collaborative, and client-focused. You enjoy building relationships that endure beyond a single transaction, and you want to be part of a firm where people and culture are taken as seriously as the bottom line.

What you'll get
A top 50 UK law firm with Platinum Investors in People accreditation, a national real estate platform, and a Leeds team with real momentum. A competitive salary and benefits package, hybrid working, and a clear path to advance. The chance to lead on significant mandates and help drive the growth of a practice that has already proven it can compete with anyone.

Apply now for a confidential conversation.