Experienced Residential Property Lawyer Manchester
Salary:Flexible depending on level and experience
Working Arrangement: Hybrid (typically 3 days office / 2 days remote, with flexibility for the right candidate leading a team)
About the Opportunity
Our client is looking for an experienced residential property lawyer to lead and develop their Manchester team as part of a thriving regional practice. This is a genuine leadership opportunity where you'll have the autonomy to build relationships, mentor your team, and handle high-quality work without the pressure of unmanageable volumes.
Their residential property department comprises 12-13 fee earners across multiple offices working in collaborative mini-teams. They're not a bulk conveyancing outfit – their work comes from strong, long-established connections with high-end estate agents and a loyal base of repeat clients who value quality over volume. They don't buy work; their referrers actively seek them out because of their service levels and expertise.
The Role
You'll be responsible for leading the Manchester team, which currently includes a newly recruited unqualified fee earner and an admin assistant. Your role will involve:
* Team Leadership & Development – Supervising, mentoring and developing your team members to build capability and confidence
* Quality Casework – Handling your own caseload with approximately 12-15 residential property matters completing per month, with a monthly fee‑earning budget of circa £15k
* Relationship Building – Developing and maintaining relationships with estate agents and other referrers in the Manchester area
* Strategic Input – Working with senior management on team recruitment and development plans
* Collaboration – Working as part of a wider department that allocates work geographically but operates flexibly across locations
You’ll report directly to the firm’s Legal Director and be supported in your leadership role, with regular one‑to‑ones and quarterly full department meetings.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* 5+ years PQE in residential property
* Broad technical grounding across all areas of residential conveyancing – unregistered land, quirky transactions, and complex matters that require real problem‑solving
* General practice background – we need someone who has been exposed to diverse property structures and transaction types, not just high‑volume production line work
* Supervisory experience – you must be comfortable leading, developing and supporting more junior team members
* Relationship skills – able to build and maintain strong connections with referrers and clients
* Confidence and autonomy – this role requires someone who can take ownership and make decisions
Not suitable for:
* Candidates from bulk conveyancing or high‑volume production environments
* Those with limited exposure to varied transaction types
* Anyone looking for a pure fee‑earning role without leadership responsibilities
What We Offer
Quality of Work & Life Balance
The firm prides itself on ensuring fee earners don't have sleepless nights. You’ll have a manageable caseload with proper support, allowing you to deliver excellent service without burnout.
Genuine Leadership Opportunity
This isn’t a token management title – you’ll have real input into recruitment, team development, and building the Manchester practice with full backing from senior management.
Strong Pipeline & Stability
The team is currently at 125% of target year‑to‑date, with referrers queuing up to pass work to them and a strong pipeline of work to come. You’ll be joining a department with momentum and a strong reputation.
Supportive Culture
* Quarterly full department meetings
* Annual away days (non‑law focused team building from 2026)
* Home and family networking events with referrers
* Focus on embracing technology and AI to work smarter
* Modern case management system with InfoTrack integration (including AI elements)
Hybrid Working
Flexibility is available, though as the person leading a new team, you’ll need to be office‑based regularly to provide effective leadership and support.
Our Client’s Focus
They differentiate themselves through their focus on high net worth clients and exceptional service levels. They handle quality, complex work where their expertise genuinely adds value. Their referrers rely on them because they know they’ll deliver, and that reputation is what drives their growth.
The Process
Our client operates a straightforward recruitment process – typically one interview with senior management, followed by an offer for the right candidate. They’re looking for the right person rather than rushing to fill a gap, so they’re happy to work around diaries to meet someone who fits their ethos and culture.
If you’re an experienced residential property lawyer who wants to step into a genuine leadership role, work on quality matters with proper support, and be part of a firm that values service and expertise over volume – please get in touch.
To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please submit your CV with a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why this opportunity interests you please contact Joe Gregory - joegregory@thinklegalrecruitment.com
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