Real Estate Development Solicitor

Leading South of England Firm | Property Development Solicitor | NQ+

Start your career in property development law within a multi-disciplinary, nationally recognised team in Southampton, working on diverse projects from mixed-use schemes to waterside regeneration, with support to build your expertise.

The Firm
This is a long-established South of England law firm with offices across the region and a history stretching back over two centuries. With close to 400 staff, it is one of the largest firms in the region, known for delivering city-quality legal advice at regional rates. The firm works with clients across the UK and internationally, and is committed to combining a professional, commercial outlook with a friendly, down-to-earth culture.

The Team
The Development and Regeneration team sits at the heart of the firm's Real Estate practice, bringing together specialists in planning, construction, environmental law, and property. The team advises a broad mix of clients including landowners, housebuilders, social housing providers, public bodies, and banks.

Work covers the full life cycle of a development project: site acquisition, planning and infrastructure agreements, development agreements, pre-lets and leases, and construction contracts. The team is particularly known for its work on waterside developments, mixed-use and town-centre regeneration, care and retirement living, and hotel and leisure schemes. It is highly rated nationally and has been recognised as one of the top planning law firms in the country.

The Role
This is an ideal role for a newly or recently qualified solicitor who wants to build a career in property development and regeneration. You will work closely with partners and senior associates, contributing to real projects from day one. You can expect hands-on involvement in site acquisitions, drafting and negotiating development and infrastructure agreements, and advising on planning aspects of transactions.

You will be encouraged to develop client relationships early, attending meetings and helping to deliver practical, commercially focused advice. The team is committed to your professional development, with structured mentoring and a clear pathway to grow your experience and responsibility over time.

The Ideal Candidate

• Newly qualified solicitor (or soon to qualify), candidates with more experience are also welcome to apply

• Some experience gained through seats, paralegal work, or training contracts in real estate or development is highly valued

• Enthusiasm for the built environment and large-scale regeneration projects

• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with a proactive, can-do attitude

• A collaborative team player who is eager to learn and ready to take on early responsibility

• Commercially curious, with the ability to understand what matters to clients

What's on Offer

• A broad introduction to development and regeneration work within a supportive, nationally respected team

• High-quality, project-based work that will give you a strong foundation for your career

• Structured mentoring, training, and a clear path for progression as you develop

• A friendly, pragmatic working culture where work-life balance is taken seriously

• Competitive salary and benefits package, hybrid working, and a prime South Coast location

Apply now for immediate consideration.