Residential Development Lawyer – 3+ PQE – Bristol or Plymouth

Location: Bristol or Plymouth
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week (flexible working options available)
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits
PQE: 3+ years

Chadwick Nott are pleased to be working with a leading UK law firm, currently seeking a Residential Development Lawyer to join their nationally recognised Living Sector team. With one of the largest residential teams in the country, the firm advises a wide range of clients including PLCs, regional and SME housebuilders, registered providers of affordable housing, land promoters, and PRS investors and developers.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-profile team working on some of the UK’s most significant residential and mixed-use development projects.

The Role
You’ll work closely with senior colleagues and clients on a broad range of residential development matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating conditional contracts, transfers, and options
• Advising on rights of pre-emption, collaboration agreements, and development agreements
• Supporting clients through the lifecycle of high-value residential and investment projects
• Managing complex multi-party interests and strategic land transactions
• Contributing to business development through client events, thought leadership, and marketing initiatives

Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to experienced property lawyers with a strong background in residential development. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• At least 3 years’ PQE as a Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Experience gained at a large regional or City firm, or in-house with a developer or housing provider
• Knowledge of the UK living sector, including housebuilding and strategic land (experience in build-to rent and affordable housing is a plus)
• Strong technical skills and commercial awareness
• Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for the sector

Location & Working Arrangements

• This is a hybrid role, offering a mix of office and remote working. While the role can be based out of Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds, Plymouth or Southampton, flexible arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

Why Join This Firm

• You’ll be joining a firm known for its inclusive culture, modern working practices, and commitment to wellbeing. The team offers a dynamic and collaborative environment, with clear progression pathways and access to high-quality work from day one.
• As signatories to the Mindful Business Charter, the firm actively supports healthy work-life balance and offers a range of wellbeing resources. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are central to the firm’s ethos, with dedicated networks and initiatives supporting race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, disabilities, neurodiversity, families, and women’s career development.

Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers a comprehensive benefits package tailored to individual needs. This may include:

• Private medical insurance and dental cover
• Pension scheme
• Generous holiday allowance
• Career development support and mentoring

If you’d like a confidential conversation about this opportunity, feel free to get in touch. Whether you’re actively considering your next move or simply exploring the market, I’d be happy to speak with you:

Tel: 0117 945 1632
Mob: 07711 799761
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Olivia Reed | LinkedIn - (2) Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and supporting our clients in doing the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, or background. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note this is intended as a guideline only.