Associate - Residential Development & Commercial Property Development

We have an exciting opportunity for a driven Associate to join our growing Bristol team, working across both Residential and Commercial Property Development matters. This role offers real scope for impact in a fast-evolving, ambitious firm, with the chance to collaborate closely with experts across our national network. With flexible hybrid working and clear paths for growth, it’s a great time to join us.

Meet the Team

You'll be joining a collaborative, high-performing group that spans both Residential Development and Commercial Property. Our Residential Development specialists advise leading housebuilders, landowners, funders, and promoters on everything from land acquisition and disposal to strategic site development.

On the Commercial Property side, we’re one of the fastest-growing real estate teams in the market - working with national developers, investors, and funds on major UK projects. Supported by expert Planning and Construction colleagues, we offer a fully integrated service across the full development lifecycle.

As part of our Infrastructure & Specialist Markets group, you'll benefit from working alongside specialists in social housing, energy, education and infrastructure. Collaboration across our national offices is core to how we work - and with flexible hybrid working, you'll have autonomy as well as support.

What you will be doing:

• Playing an integral part in a growing Residential Team with a focus on Commercial and Residential Development
• Being a reliable “number 2” on complex residential development transactions
• Running your own workload of strategic land deals and acquisitions and disposals of development sites
• Working with the team on our business development activities to attract new clients and develop relationships with existing clients
• Working closely with a range of clients to provide fast, pragmatic and commercial advice
• Handling queries and enquiries efficiently
• Maintaining good file management
• Liaising with clients in a professional manner
• Working to strict deadlines

What you will need:

• 3+ years PQE working in a real estate team within a law firm, development experience is a requirement
• Strategic land experience preferred but not essential
• Proven experience working in a team environment, with strong commercial acumen
• Strong IT skills
• The ability to manage files effectively
• A willingness and enthusiasm to get involved in business development activities, ideally to able to demonstrate a proven track record of success in this area

Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.

We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.

We have hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield.

You’ll be based in our Bristol hub, with the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across our national network, including teams in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield.

Want to find out more about our amazing benefits?

Additional information:

Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.

Equal opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

About Shakespeare Martineau

Welcome to Shakespeare Martineau, where we're more than just a full-service law firm. With over 1100 specialists, including lawyers and business support professionals, we're committed to unlocking potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth, and development.

Our purpose is clear: we provide creative solutions and advice that help individuals and businesses achieve their commercial and personal goals. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on building lasting relationships and championing our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible business and personal advice.

At Shakespeare Martineau, it's our people who make us special. We understand what our team members want and give them the support they need to succeed. Recognising everyone's contribution and harnessing the unique power of teams, we work together to achieve success.

Diversity is at the heart of our firm. We actively build and develop diverse teams, bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We believe in playing to our strengths, constantly striving to improve, and empowering our teams with individual responsibility for their own learning and growth.

Join us at Shakespeare Martineau and become a valued member of a team where we unlock your potential, appreciate your contributions, and achieve success together.

As part of Ampa, we are part of a large multi-brand group, all of our brands are linked by a shared purpose and set of values that brings about a positive, inclusive and diverse work culture - helping everyone achieve their ambitions.