Overview
A leading international law firm is seeking a Corporate Real Estate (Real Estate Private Equity) Associate to join its London practice. The team advises sponsors, corporates and investment clients on complex real estate-led corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.
This opportunity is ideally suited to a 2-6 years' PQE associate with a strong corporate M&A background and an interest in real estate private equity and investment-driven transactions. The role sits at the intersection of corporate and real estate, offering exposure to high-value, cross-border mandates within a leading international platform.
What You'll Do
- Advise on a broad range of corporate real estate and real estate private equity transactions.
- Support acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures involving real estate assets.
- Draft and negotiate key transactional documentation including SPAs, JV agreements and investment structures.
- Work across corporate, funds, finance and tax teams on complex multi-disciplinary matters.
- Assist on high-value UK and cross-border investment and sponsor-led transactions.
- Gain exposure to institutional investors and private equity real estate mandates.
Key areas include:
- Real estate private equity transactions
- Corporate M&A involving real estate assets
- Joint ventures and co-investment structures
- Cross-border investment and disposal work
About You
- 2-6 years' PQE gained at a recognised international or leading City law firm.
- Strong corporate M&A experience with exposure to real estate or investment structures.
- Experience working on joint ventures, private equity or sponsor-led transactions.
- Strong drafting skills and ability to manage full transactional workstreams.
- Ability to work seamlessly across corporate and real estate teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and client-facing capability.
Preferred experience
- Exposure to real estate private equity or fund structures.
- Experience working on cross-border or international transactions.
- Understanding of investment structures involving real estate assets.
- Strong academic background.
- England & Wales qualification preferred, though Irish-qualified lawyers considered with relevant experience.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to join a growing corporate real estate / real estate private equity practice within a major international firm.
- Exposure to complex, high-value cross-border transactions.
- Close collaboration with leading corporate, funds and real estate teams globally.
- Strong partner access and early responsibility within a lean team structure.
- Excellent platform for development in investment-driven real estate work.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive City of London compensation package.
- Salary discussed directly with partners at final stage.
- No bonus structure (compensation fully reflected in base salary).
- No formal billable hour targets.
- Informal utilisation range of approximately 1,500-2,000 hours.
- Flexible, non-target-driven culture compared to peer firms.
The Process
- Multi-stage interview process led by partners.
- Stage 1: Interview with two lead partners (exploratory fit-focused discussion).
- Stage 2: Two further partner interviews focusing on technical capability and experience.
- Stage 3: Final sign-off meeting with senior leadership.
- Informal associate meetings may occur at any stage to assess cultural fit.
- No formal technical tests; emphasis is on experience, motivation and fit.