Real Estate Investments Senior Associate / Legal Director - UK Top 50 law firm

Term: Permanent

Working Hours: Full-time (35 hours, Mon–Fri)

Department: Real Estate Investment

Location: Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich, or Sevenoaks

The Firm

A leading full-service law firm ranked among the UK’s Top 50, with a legacy spanning more than 160 years. The firm employs over 700 legal professionals across offices in England, serving a wide range of clients including businesses, government bodies, public sector organisations, and individuals, both domestically and internationally. Core practice areas include property, corporate services, litigation, and private client advisory.

Renowned for its forward-thinking and client-focused approach, the firm works proactively to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. This mindset also shapes its internal culture, where career development and progression are actively supported. It was recently recognised as one of the top five law firms to work for in 2024 by RollOnFriday.

Diversity, inclusion, and community involvement are central to the firm’s values, with a comprehensive ESG strategy in place and 40% of the partnership made up of women.

The Department

The Real Estate Investment team is expanding and is looking to appoint a Senior Associate or Legal Director in any of its seven office locations. The team is known for acting for prestigious and sophisticated real estate investors globally, and this role has arisen due to ongoing growth and increasing client demand.

The department works collaboratively with other teams across the firm, and is recognised in the Legal 500 for excellence across practice areas. The working environment is people-focused, dynamic, and supportive.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will bring experience in the following areas:

• Conditional and unconditional acquisitions and disposals (including corporate real estate/wrapper work).
• Portfolio transactions and asset management.
• Real estate finance, particularly portfolio financings.
• Acting for landlords and tenants across multiple sectors, including leases, surrenders, agreements for lease (conditional and unconditional), and general asset management (e.g., licences to assign or alter).
• Active involvement in business development and the broader growth strategy of the Real Estate Investment team.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should be qualified solicitors with  experience, ideally gained at a well-regarded city, regional, or national law firm. A strong track record in real estate investment transactions is essential.

The ideal candidate will combine technical legal knowledge with commercial acumen and sound judgment. They must be confident advising corporate clients under pressure and able to deliver clear, pragmatic advice tailored to client needs.

This role also includes team leadership responsibilities, including mentoring junior team members and supporting leadership across various offices.

The firm offers a structured 'Talent Management Framework' to support career development, with promotion based on performance, competencies, and achievements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in real estate investment, preferably from a reputable firm.
• Strong academic credentials.
• High attention to detail and consistently high standards of work.
• Flexible working style to meet client deadlines and maintain regular communication.
• Demonstrated interest and capability in business development.

Equal Opportunities and Culture

The firm fosters a culture of ambition, inclusion, and positive impact. It supports the wellbeing and development of its people through structured training, hybrid working models, and flexible arrangements. Benefits include:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays.
• Long service holiday awards.
• Private healthcare (after probation).
• Pension scheme (5% employer / 5% employee).
• Staff profit share and performance bonuses.
• Salary sacrifice options (pension, profit share).
• Life assurance (4x salary) and permanent health insurance.
• Paid CSR day.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Electric car scheme.
• Hybrid/agile working policies.
• “Dress for your day” approach.

Flexible, part-time, and agile working arrangements are welcome, and the firm is committed to exploring preferred working patterns during the application process.

Applicants are advised that the job profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity organisation committed to inclusivity and non-discrimination on any basis, including age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, or parental status. All hiring decisions are based on individual merit.