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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team managing major development projects and negotiating key agreements.
- Company: Gowling WLG, a top UK law firm with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-profile projects while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least 5 years of experience in commercial development.
- Other info: Join a firm recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a Senior / Principal Associate to join our Commercial Development and Investment team based in Birmingham.
Gowling WLG is home to one of the UK's largest real estate practices with a team of more than 275 commercially‑minded, innovative and pragmatic lawyers. We work alongside many of the sector's most successful companies and have helped to deliver numerous high‑profile projects, advising throughout their lifecycle. The commercial development and investment team ("CDI") is one of the biggest dedicated commercial development and investment teams in the UK, advising many investors and developers. We regularly lead on high‑value, and strategically important deals and projects. The nature of our client base requires technically accurate and commercial thinking to be delivered with speed and efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a specialist team on major, multi‑disciplinary development projects.
- Draft and negotiate development agreements, joint ventures and collaboration agreements, options and promotion agreements, complex lease structures, site assembly (including identifying and dealing with development constraints), funding and disposals.
- Assist on acquisitions and disposals of investment assets.
- Assist on general property transactions.
- Handle lettings, pre‑lettings and some asset management work.
About you
- Manage your own caseload to tight deadlines, remain calm under pressure and prioritise your workload effectively.
- Work collaboratively in a team environment and support your colleagues.
- Give clear, practical advice with sound commercial judgment and swift accurate implementation of instructions.
- Negotiate effectively and deliver commercial solutions for our clients.
- Draft bespoke agreements.
- Supervise and mentor more junior fee earners and delegate work where appropriate.
- Communicate appropriately at all levels within the team, the wider business, clients, agents and other parties.
- Work collaboratively with clients and other professionals (e.g. local authorities, agents, surveyors, consultants, accountants).
- Contribute to business development and marketing.
- Take responsibility for management functions on projects appropriate to your experience.
Key Skills and Experience
- Qualified solicitor (minimum 5 PQE) with experience in commercial/mixed‑use development and commercial investment.
- Technically strong and able to apply legal principles to devise novel solutions.
- Enjoy building effective relationships with team members and clients.
- Ambitious and committed to high levels of client service.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Engaging, professional communication style with advanced interpersonal skills.
- Proactive, confident initiative and strong time‑management skills.
- Problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
- Enthusiastic and project‑management skills.
What We Can Offer You
- The opportunity to work for a firm recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK and ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years.
- Hybrid approach to office and remote working.
- Generous annual leave allowance (25 days plus option to buy up to a week of extra leave).
- Private medical insurance, with option to add family members.
- Generous pension allowance.
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary.
- Three‑month sabbatical every five years.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes.
- Health and wellbeing programmes.
- State‑of‑the‑art offices in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, with an onsite restaurant.
- Opportunities for training and personal development.
Equal Opportunities
Gowling WLG is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to equal opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re‑assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
CDI Senior/Principal Associate in Birmingham employer: Gowling WLG
Contact Detail:
Gowling WLG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CDI Senior/Principal Associate in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Gowling WLG. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your skills in commercial development and investment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet the team, let your enthusiasm shine through. They’re looking for someone who fits into their collaborative culture, so be yourself and demonstrate how you can contribute to the team dynamic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace CDI Senior/Principal Associate in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CDI Senior/Principal Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial development and investment, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your accomplishments! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage caseloads, negotiate effectively, and deliver commercial solutions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication style reflects that. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial development and investment. Understand the key legal principles and recent trends in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your technical strength and ability to apply legal principles effectively during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the role requires collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior colleagues and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment. This will show that you can thrive in their collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios related to drafting agreements or negotiating deals. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex situations. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team’s current projects or the firm’s approach to client relationships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.