Head of Real Estate

Partner – Real Estate (Head of Department)Manchester | Full-time, PermanentLead. Shape. Grow.This is your opportunity to take the reins of a growing Real Estate practice and play a defining role in shaping its future at Markel Law, an SRA-regulated, people-first legal business backed by the strength of the global Fortune 500 Markel Group.We are looking for an experienced and dynamic partner-level lawyer based in Manchester to lead and grow our real estate practice. The team currently consists of 3 fee earners and has ambitious growth plans to more than double in size.The firm’s commercial services team is focussed the key legal areas businesses routinely navigate on a daily basis, including contracts, IP, data protection, corporate and property-related matters. The role will work with the Head of Commercial on the strategic development and growth of the real estate team, manage key client relationships and take overall responsibility for the supervision and development of all colleagues within the team.This role will involve overseeing transactions, ensuring the highest quality of documentation and advice, building and maintaining strategic client relationships, driving business development, and working closely with the Head of Commercial and senior leadership on the delivery of integrated property solutions across the firm.Why Markel Law?Markel Law is part of the wider Markel insurance business, known for innovation, integrity and putting people first. Our award‑winning legal services support over 200,000 advice‑line callers every year, with specialist teams across Real Estate, Commercial, Civil, Employment, Crime/Regulatory and more.You’ll be joining a business that:Employs 60+ specialist solicitors across Manchester, Leeds, London & CroydonWorks with an impressive client base including high‑net‑worth individuals, associations and commercial organisationsOperates with the backing, stability and scale of Markel Group (NYSE: MKL)This is a rare chance to grow our Real Estate practice with three experienced fee‑earners and ambitious plans to more than double in size.The Opportunity:As Head of Real Estate, you’ll work closely with the Head of Commercial to:Lead and grow the practiceSet the strategic direction for the Real Estate teamShape its growth, culture and long‑term successSupervise, mentor and develop fee‑earners and support staffDrive client relationships & business developmentBuild and nurture strategic, high‑value client relationshipsExpand the team’s portfolio through targeted BD activityRepresent Markel Law as a trusted adviser and senior leaderDeliver technical excellenceOversee (and where appropriate handle) high‑value and complex real estate transactions—acquisitions, disposals, leases, development projects and moreEnsure consistency, quality and excellence across all legal outputCollaborate across the firmWork with the Head of Commercial and other senior partners to deliver integrated property and commercial solutionsContribute to automation, template development and process efficienciesSteer financial performanceManage budgets, resourcing and financial objectives to ensure profitable, sustainable growthWhat You’ll Bring:We’re looking for a leader with:Extensive, senior‑level experience across the full spectrum of real estate workA track record of managing complex matters and handling significant transactionsStrong commercial skills and proven success in client acquisition & business developmentExcellent people leadership—mentoring, coaching, developing high-performing teamsA collaborative approach and the ability to influence at all levelsA reputation for technical excellence and exceptional client care(Highly desirable) experience advising clients in the social care sectorWhat You’ll Enjoy:At Markel Law, we believe in doing the right thing and supporting one another. You’ll benefit from:Competitive salary, annual bonus & benefits package25 days holiday + bank holidays (with options to buy/sell)Private medical, dental, life assurance, income protection & travel insuranceExcellent pension schemeFlexible working options and genuine work–life balanceA platform to shape and grow a nationally recognised Real Estate practiceA supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas drive changeAccess to learning, development and leadership programmesWe’re a Disability Confident Committed employer, proud to support flexible working and committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.Ready to Lead the Future of Real Estate at Markel Law?If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead, influence and grow a high-performing Real Estate practice we’d love to hear from you.At Markel, we are all about the people, celebrating the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.We will ensure that individuals are provided with any reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed, including alternative formats of documents or information on how to apply offline.#LI-PC1#LI-Hybrid #PlayYourPartUKSummaryLocation: Manchester - UKType: Full time