Solicitor - Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders) (1-3 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly-regarded Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders) team (L500 Tier 4 Commercial Property: Development, Tier 2 Commercial Property, and Chambers Band 2 for Real Estate: £50m-£150m) are recruiting an experienced (1-3 PQE) Solicitor to join the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients. This is a full-time, permanent role.

The Real Estate group is one of the largest practice areas at Wedlake Bell and provides high-quality advice across a variety of sectors: Commercial Property, Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders), Planning, Real Estate Finance, Construction, and Property Litigation.  Our clients are diverse, ranging from private and commercial investors, large commercial, residential, and mixed-use developers, institutional landlords, corporate tenants, asset managers, amongst others.

This role sits within our Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders) team, focussing on working with both commercial and residential property developers on a range of work including site acquisition and disposals, investment, development, landlord and tenant, affordable housing and BTR disposals, estate management and property finance, amongst others.

As a Solicitor in the Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders) team, you will gain high-level experience on a range of interesting matters, receiving work from and engaging with all partners in the team (and working closely with the wider Commercial Property team), liaising with and managing clients directly to achieve successful outcomes. No two days will be the same.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Solicitor (1-3 PQE) with a background in working with commercial property developers (ideally including residential developments and plot sales schemes), to join a thriving practice; you will have a real opportunity to develop your expertise and advance your professional development.

Find out more about our Commercial Property Development (Housebuilders) practice here.

Examples of Recent Work:

• Advised major housebuilding group on the construction of 121 cutting-edge eco homes in the South East;

• Acted on the purchase of waste processing site for land conversion of over 250 homes;

• Acting for a top 10 UK Housebuilder on the purchase of a £40m parcel of a larger site at Bicester and the promotion of another parcel, each forming part of the UJK's first "Eco Town";

• Advising a multiple award winning heritage residential developer on the acquisition of a part listed 5.3-acre development site in Bath with planning permission for the development of 250 units; and

• Acting for a regional housebuilder on the sale of five development parcels in Wokingham for circa £65m.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering clear and high-quality legal advice on a range of commercial property development matters;

• Acting as a day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters; and

• Contributing to the development of the practice by promoting Wedlake Bell and our work, both to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• A strong background in a well-regarded Real Estate practice, with experience advising on any or all of the following matters:

  • Conveyancing (with a focus on plot sales);

  • Site acquisitions for commercial, residential, and mixed-use development;

  • Acting for developers (both Plc and private).

• Be a qualified solicitor (1-3 PQE) in E&W;

• A relevant legal qualification - law degree, or legal post-graduate qualification in a related field;

• Excellent academic history;

• Strong commercial awareness;

• Strong communicator able to build relationships, internally and externally, at all levels;

• Strong client relationship and business development skills;

• Excellent organisational and file management skills; and

• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;

• A comprehensive pension plan;

• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;

• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;

• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;

• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;

• Enhanced parental leave policies;

• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;

• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and

• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.