Associate, Transactional Real Estate | Leeds/Remote | 3-7 Years PQE
A Rare Opportunity for Work-Life Balance in high quality Property Law
Are you a talented property lawyer seeking more than just another transactional role? This is your chance to step into something genuinely different – a dedicated client position that combines the prestige and resources of a top-tier firm with the focused, in-house style working that prioritises your lifestyle.
The Opportunity
Our client, a leading international law firm, is launching an innovative new delivery model for one of their most significant institutional landlord clients. They're seeking two Associates to join a dedicated team focused exclusively on delivering exceptional service to this major client – think in-house benefits with law firm backing.
This isn't your typical 'churn and burn' property role. With a reduced chargeable hours target of just 1,400 hours per year and the flexibility to work primarily from home, this position has been designed for lawyers who want to reclaim their time without sacrificing career progression.
What Makes This Role Different?
True Flexibility – Office attendance required just once or twice per month in Leeds. Whether you're based in Leeds, Manchester, or anywhere across the North of England and Midlands, or even further afield, this role works for you.
One Client, Deep Expertise – Build genuine relationships and become the go-to expert for a prestigious institutional landlord. No juggling dozens of clients or endless BD targets – just focused, high-quality work.
Lifestyle First – This role has been specifically created for lawyers seeking better work-life balance. Lower hours targets, predictable workload, and genuine flexibility.
Law Firm Perks, In-House Feel – Enjoy all the training, development programmes, and career support of a major law firm, without the pressure of traditional law firm life.
The Work
You'll be handling a varied caseload of landlord and tenant work for a major institutional client, including:
* Drafting and negotiating commercial leases (new, renewal, and reversionary)
* Landlord-focused asset management matters
* Licences to alter, assign, underlet, and other management applications
* Creating and maintaining letting due diligence packs
* Dealing with tenant enquiries and completion processes
* Supervising junior lawyers and paralegals
The client is smart, professional, and reasonable – the kind you'll genuinely enjoy working with. They're excellent bill payers who value proactive lawyers who keep them informed.
What They're Looking For
* 3-7 years PQE in commercial property (England & Wales qualified) – if you fall outside of this PQE please do still ask for a confidential discussion!
* Landlord and tenant experience – ideally with institutional landlords
* Strong communication and client relationship skills
* Experience managing high-volume, fast-paced workloads
* A proactive, commercially minded approach
* Someone ready for a lifestyle change – this could suit lawyers from top-tier firms seeking better balance OR talented lawyers from regional firms looking for a step up with a major client
The Firm
This is a Tier 1 ranked, award-winning real estate team within a leading international practice. The Leeds office houses a substantial transactional real estate team with 6 partners and 50+ fee earners, recognised as Real Estate Team of the Year at both the Yorkshire Property Insider Awards and Yorkshire Lawyer Awards.
The firm champions innovation, using cutting-edge legal tech and AI tools, while maintaining a supportive, collegiate culture. You'll have access to comprehensive training, career development programmes, and a diverse, inclusive working environment.
The Package
* Competitive salary (approximately 80% of standard top tier banding – a fair exchange for significantly reduced hours and lifestyle benefits)
* Reduced chargeable hours – 1,400 per year vs. typical targets
* Flexibility – primarily remote working with minimal office attendance
* Full-time or 4 days per week considered for the right candidate
* All the benefits and support of working for a major international law firm
The Process
The hiring team want to keep things informal and build genuine rapport with candidates. Initial conversations can be by Teams or in person – they're happy to start with just a chat, no formal CV required at first stage.
This role represents something genuinely rare in property law – the chance to do excellent work for a major client while actually having a life outside the office.
If you're ready for a change and this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, let's talk.
To apply or discuss this role in confidence, please get in touch with Kim Wilkes at Think Legal- kim@thinklegalrecruitment.com
Our client is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.