Job Description
Property Development Solicitor
Location: Cardiff or Bangor (North Wales)
Hybrid working available
The Opportunity
An established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Property Development Solicitor to join its well-regarded property team. Ideally, my client is looking for a solicitor at the level of 5PQE or above but they will consider candidates with lesser PQE if you can demonstrate strong property development experience.
This role offers flexibility to be based in either Cardiff or Bangor, with a structured hybrid working arrangement available following successful completion of probation.
This position is suited to a solicitor with strong, hands-on property development experience who can hit the ground running from day one. It is not suitable for candidates whose experience is limited to general commercial property work without a clear focus on development.
The successful candidate will play a key role within a collaborative development team, advising on a broad range of commercial and residential development matters. The role requires confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team, delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base including private developers, housing associations, and funders.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing land acquisitions, including options, conditional contracts, and package deals
* Acting on conditional agreements for lease and pre-let arrangements
* Leading on site assembly matters, including planning agreements, adoption agreements, utility wayleaves, and substation transfers
* Supporting construction-related documentation as required
* Advising on funder requirements when acting for borrowers
* Undertaking detailed development due diligence when acting for funders
* Handling disposals of completed units and investment sales
Skills & Experience:
Qualifications & Technical Expertise
* Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with ideally 5PQE (will consider candidates with lower PQE with exceptional experience)
* Demonstrable, substantive experience in property development work is essential
* Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision and deliver from the outset
* Strong drafting skills across acquisitions, disposals, and development documentation
* Experience advising across the full lifecycle of development projects
Core Competencies
* Ability to provide clear, concise, and commercially focused advice
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Confidence handling complex or high-value matters
Communication & Client Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication
* Strong client relationship management and service delivery skills
* Ability to present technical legal advice in a practical, business-focused manner
Person Profile:
Essential
* Commercially aware with a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach
* Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
* Proactive and collaborative team player
* Professional, composed, and exercises sound judgement under pressure
* Confident operating with minimal supervision and able to integrate quickly into an active caseload
Desirable
* Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues
* Involvement in business development and networking activities
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
* Clear opportunities for progression and long-term career development
* High-quality, varied development work
* Supportive and collaborative team environment
* Flexible working: choice of Cardiff or Bangor office base, plus hybrid working
Any candidates with the above experience who are interested in this opportunity should contact Sam Higgins at Simpson Judge on 07770109301 or via email at sam.higgins@simpsonjudge.co.uk.