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1. Join the management team from day one, with a clear path to Board-level progression
2. Lead a busy Commercial Property department with an existing caseload and support team
3. Be part of a well-run, flexible Legal 500 firm with a culture that blends quality and approachability
This is a rare opportunity for a commercial property lawyer to step into a Head of Department role at a Legal 500 firm that blends top-tier work with a people-first culture. You’ll inherit a team with strong foundations, an existing pipeline of work and plenty of scope to build and evolve.
You’ll join the management team from day one, and if things go well in the first 12 months, you’ll be in a position to progress to the board.
Whether you’re looking for your first leadership role or a platform to take the next big step in your career, this is a high-impact opportunity.
Who we’re looking for
4. 5–8 PQE in commercial property, ideally with a varied background across lease negotiation, acquisitions, refinancing and corporate support
5. Experience in or appetite for team leadership
6. Confident, commercially-minded, and keen to build something of your own
7. Someone coming from a mid-sized or smaller firm is likely to thrive here
8. Some BD experience or a modest following would be a bonus
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be leading the commercial property team from the firm’s Harrogate office, with occasional travel to York and Leeds. The work is broad and varied, including:
9. Landlord and tenant matters (leases and option agreements)
10. Sales and purchases
11. Corporate support
12. Refinancing
13. Agricultural transactions
You’ll supervise existing team members, help steady the ship in the first 6–12 months, and set the tone for long-term growth and success.
Salary & Benefits
14. Bonus: Profit-share bonus on revenue over target (typically 10%+, negotiable)
15. Holiday: Five weeks annual leave + Bank Holidays, with increased entitlement after five years
16. Pension: 3% employer contribution
17. Health & wellbeing: Health cash plan Champion Health platform Life insurance (4x salary) Enhanced maternity pay
18. Other benefits: Flexible working hours with time-banking scheme Option to buy/sell annual leave Season ticket loan Discounted legal fees and free simple Will Cycle to work scheme Option to join parking scheme Professional study support Monthly socials and open performance reporting
Contact Harry
If you’re a commercial property lawyer ready to shape a team and take on a strategic leadership role, get in touch for a confidential chat.
📩 harry.nicholls@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606