Full job descriptionRole: Legal Director - Commercial Property
Location: Sheffield
Salary: £80,000 to £130,000, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid - approximately 50% office and 50% home
Progression: Defined Route to Equity
The Opportunity
CRA Consulting is working exclusively with a highly regarded national law firm to appoint a Legal Director who will lead and develop its Commercial Property offering in Sheffield.
This is a significant strategic appointment and an opportunity to build a market-leading property practice with the backing, resources and client base of an established national firm.
The successful candidate will take a leading role in shaping the direction of the Sheffield team, developing client relationships and creating new opportunities across the firm’s wider network. A clearly mapped pathway to equity will be discussed from the outset, with defined expectations and milestones.
The position may suit an established Legal Director seeking greater autonomy, a proven Senior Associate ready for leadership or an ambitious commercial property lawyer looking for a genuine platform from which to build a practice.
The Role
You will lead a broad range of high-quality commercial property work, including:
*Acquisitions and disposals
*Commercial landlord and tenant matters
*Property investment and asset management
*Real estate development
*Secured lending and property finance
*Portfolio management
*Corporate occupier work
*Strategic property advice

Alongside managing your own matters, you will assume responsibility for the continued development of the Sheffield Commercial Property practice.
Your wider responsibilities will include:
*Building and maintaining trusted relationships with key clients
*Leading pitches, tenders and business development initiatives
*Identifying cross-referral opportunities across the national business
*Developing a clear growth strategy for the Sheffield property team
*Supervising, mentoring and developing other lawyers
*Setting consistently high technical and client-service standards
*Supporting recruitment and future team growth
*Contributing to departmental profitability and wider firm strategy

The firm is looking for somebody who wants genuine influence over how the practice develops rather than simply inheriting another senior fee-earning position.
The Candidate
You will be a UK-qualified Commercial Property Solicitor with substantial experience in commercial real estate. Approximately eight years’ PQE or above is anticipated as a guide, although applications will be considered according to individual experience and capability.
You should be able to demonstrate:
*Experience leading complex commercial property transactions
*Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of real estate matters
*A proven ability to develop and retain client relationships
*Experience supervising or mentoring other lawyers
*Commercial awareness and an understanding of departmental performance
*Confidence representing the firm within the regional business community
*A credible approach to business development and practice growth
*The ambition to progress towards equity

An existing client following would be welcomed but is not necessarily essential. The firm is equally interested in candidates with strong market relationships, a clear business plan and the ability to convert opportunities with the support of a national platform.
Salary, Benefits and Progression
The firm offers a highly competitive package, including:
*Basic salary of £80,000 to £130,000
*Annual individual performance bonus
*Company-wide bonus, with the potential to be worth approximately 20% of salary
*Clearly defined pathway to equity
*Hybrid working, split approximately 50% between the office and home
*25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
*Private healthcare
*National resources, infrastructure and cross-referral opportunities
*Support for business development and profile building
*Autonomy to influence the structure and growth of the Sheffield team

Why Consider This Role?
Opportunities offering this combination of autonomy, national backing and a genuine route to equity are rare within the Sheffield market.
This appointment provides the platform to lead a team, build a practice and develop your own profile while benefiting from the resources, established client relationships and reach of a respected national firm.
All conversations will be handled in complete confidence, and an initial discussion can take place without any commitment to enter a formal recruitment process.
How to Apply
Please apply using the link provided or contact Rob Addy at CRA Consulting for a confidential discussion: