At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic Legal Team to support real estate investment and development projects.
- Company: Exciting legal role in a collaborative, open-plan office environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising on innovative real estate transactions.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a keen eye for detail required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working Environment: We work in an open plan trading floor style office with around thirty-five colleagues, which brings interaction and excitement. Our self-designed head office is on Dorset Street in Marylebone, easy to reach and close to all the amenities.
Legal Team: Working on transactions collaboratively with the existing two Senior Legal Counsel and sharing the workstreams, guided by the Executive Director (also a qualified solicitor) and Investment Director, you will join a Legal Team that provides support and advice to the Group’s investment and development activities in real estate focusing on development. The team works hand in hand with the group’s other functions, dealing with transactions, contracts, property, construction, litigation, insurance, and compliance.
Working Relationships:
- Internal: all colleagues within the Group, close working relationship with existing Senior Legal Counsel, Executive Director, Development Director, Commercial Director and Investment Director.
- External: key relationship holder with external legal counsel and opposite numbers at contractors, funders and partners.
The Position:
- Pre-Design (Stage 0): Reviewing initial project proposals and assessing legal feasibility. Drafting and negotiating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with potential partners and consultants.
- Concept and Acquisition (Stage 1): Advising on legal implications of design concepts, regulations, and planning regulations. Reviewing and approving legal documentation related to site acquisition and title searches. Conduct due diligence on potential property acquisitions to assess legal risks and issues. Instruct external counsel to craft and negotiate purchase agreements, option agreements, and other relevant contracts.
- Developed Design (Stage 2): Drafting and reviewing agreements related to design consultants and contractors, including scope of work, indemnities, and intellectual property rights.
- Technical Design (Stage 3): Providing legal oversight for external counsel drafting construction contracts, warranties, and performance bonds. Advising on insurance coverage and liability issues during the construction phase.
- Funding: Assist in structuring financing arrangements, including loans, equity investments, and joint ventures. Instruct external counsel to draft loan agreements, security documents, and investment contracts. Ensure compliance with financing covenants and requirements.
- Construction (Stage 4): Resolving legal disputes, claims, and change orders arising during construction. Ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Handover and Closeout (Stage 5): Reviewing handover documentation and warranties provided by contractors and suppliers. Facilitating the transfer of property ownership and legal responsibilities to end-users or buyers.
- In-Use (Stage 6): Advising on post-construction legal matters, such as property management agreements and occupational agreement negotiations. Assisting with ongoing compliance, maintenance, and regulatory issues.
- Disposals: Manage legal aspects of property sales, including negotiation of and instructing external counsel to draft sale agreements. Oversee the due diligence process for potential buyers. Ensure proper title transfer and resolution of any outstanding legal issues.
Experience and Skills: Ability to work on transactions collaboratively with the existing Senior Legal Counsel. Works well to tight deadlines and managing own workload. Is confident, professional and shows excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Has a keen eye for detail. Strives for high standards in their work. Previous in-house experience and/or exposure to multiple real estate asset classes would be an advantage. The ability to work with initiative and prioritise with a self-starting mentality is vital as you will need to be able to work independently and manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment. Motivated to become a trusted adviser to the Group and its shareholders, being proactive in the provision of legal support whilst pursuing this. Skilled at turning complicated legal advice into information that is easy to digest across multiple team disciplines. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to manage upstream and downstream, and work discreetly when required to.
Legal Counsel - Real Estate Investment and Development employer: Dominus
As a Legal Counsel in our dynamic Marylebone office, you will thrive in a collaborative and vibrant environment, working closely with experienced colleagues on diverse real estate investment and development projects. We prioritise employee growth through mentorship and hands-on experience, while our open-plan workspace fosters interaction and innovation. Enjoy the benefits of a supportive work culture, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a leading firm in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Real Estate Investment and Development
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Dominus, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Real Estate Investment and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Dominus, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Dominus and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Real Estate Investment and Development. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Dominus’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dominus
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Dominus.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Dominus.
