Senior Legal Counsel – Property Development

About the role

This senior legal counsel position sits within a privately owned property development group that delivers luxury residential and mixed‑use projects. Reporting to the Director, you will work in‑house, providing commercial‑focused legal advice and shaping the legal function as the business grows.

Key responsibilities

• Provide practical commercial and legal advice across the development lifecycle.
• Oversee external legal advisors on financing, conveyancing and specialist matters.
• Review and negotiate property, construction, financing and commercial agreements, managing contractual risk.
• Support project teams through procurement, delivery, settlements and dispute resolution.
• Advise on commercial risk, governance, compliance and day‑to‑day business matters.
• Develop and implement legal templates, workflows and approval processes.
• Build legal capability within the team through guidance and knowledge sharing.

Required profile

• 8+ years PQE, ideally a mix of private practice and in‑house experience.
• Strong commercial legal background with solid drafting, negotiation and contract management skills.
• Commercially astute, pragmatic and solutions‑focused, able to balance legal risk with business priorities.
• Confident working autonomously and building relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Approachable, collaborative and comfortable taking ownership of processes.

Required skills

• Commercial legal advice and risk assessment.
• Drafting and negotiating property, construction and financing agreements.
• Managing external legal counsel and controlling costs.