Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate
Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate

Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to manage complex real estate transactions and build client relationships.
  • Company: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a leading international law firm with over 100 years of excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, opportunities for growth, and involvement in high-profile projects.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team tackling exciting challenges in real estate and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Ideal candidates have 4+ years of experience in transactional real estate and strong legal skills.
  • Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate, London

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.
We are where you need us to be. We are in the world\’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.
We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we\’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.
Your goals. Our ambition.

JOB DESCRIPTION

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.
We are where you need us to be. We are in the world\’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.
We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we\’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.
Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Key internal relationships:

  • Supervising lawyer, other group partners, solicitors/associates, trainees/graduate solicitors, paralegals, secretarial staff
  • Key external relationships:

  • Clients, peers, contacts, other firms and professions (eg financial advisers, intermediaries, experts and local lawyers)
  • Practice group/team:

    Main areas covered | investment | development | disposals | mergers and acquisitions | leasing | joint ventures | large-scale regeneration | infrastructure and energy development projects | real estate financings and restructurings | pre-letting

    Key clients includes | Abrndn | Almacantar | Ballymore | Blackstone | British Land | Brookfield | Canary Wharf Group | CPPIB | Goldman Sachs | Cain | Hines | TFL | Nuveen

    Directory rankings include | Top band for Chambers 2025 (Real Estate: over £150m) | Legal 500 2024 Real Estate Tier 1 for Investment, Development and Corporate Occupiers

    Awards include | Property Team of the Year, The British Legal Awards 2022 | Real Estate Team of the Year, Legal Business Awards 2022 | Real Estate Team, The Lawyer Awards 2023 | Property Week Legal Team 2024

    Our core real estate practice in London comprises 13 Partners, 3 Of Counsel and 42 Associates, and is led by Matthew White.

    Our award winning international real estate practice has a reputation for executing the largest and most complex real estate deals with accuracy and at speed.

    We provide advice on all aspects of general commercial property including investment, restructuring, development, acquisitions, disposals, corporate occupiers, PPP, corporate support work and real estate finance. The group also has first-class standalone planning, dispute resolution and construction practices.

    Dedicated real estate group widely recognised as a market leader. Experienced in all aspects of property work for a diverse range of clients, including institutional investors, leading developers and public sector bodies. Instructed on many high-value and high-profile deals in the market, as well as handling major urban regeneration work. Widely respected for its ability to complete structured transactions that feature a blend of corporate, finance and land issues.

    ‘Fantastic team with depth of knowledge across the bench who have provided consistently good advice on numerous transactions.’

    LEGAL 500 UK 2025

    Commercial property: Corporate Occupiers

    \”They provide comprehensive and expert advice and have in-depth knowledge on the latest deals in the market, enabling them to advise on the best negotiating positions.“

    CHAMBERS UK 2025

    Real estate: £150 million and above

    The strength, reputation and diversity of our practice is demonstrated by the following current and recent highlights, advising:

  • Allianz Real Estate on the creation of a student accommodation real estate joint venture with Greystar Real Estate Partners. Chapter Student Housing business comprises nine investment and development properties in key Central London locations
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments on the sale of Churchill Square Brighton to Ingka, the largest UK shopping centre sale post-COVID
  • MCR on its £275m acquisition of the BT Tower
  • The sale of solar farm owner Toucan Energy of a portfolio of 53 solar farms with a combined capacity of 513.5 MWp the portfolio is the largest operational solar portfolio transacted in the UK to date.
  • Related Argent on its major regeneration scheme for Tottenham Hale in London
  • British Land on their Canada Water development, on the management of Broadgate Estate and together with their joint venture partner on the sale of 5 Broadgate to CK Asset Holdings for £1billion
  • Brookfield on numerous UK investments and financing transactions including on the acquisition of CityPoint Tower, London, the pre-letting of 100 Bishopsgate, London and the development of London Wall Place
  • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) on their investment into three UK development projects at Paradise Circus, Birmingham, Wellington Place, Leeds and Milton Park, Didcot, with joint venture partner Hermes Real Estate
  • Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP) on the creation of a £500 million \’build-to-rent\’ (BTR) residential property joint venture with Long Harbour
  • Primary objectives:

  • Deliver excellent client service and manage and deliver discrete pieces of legal work.
  • Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
  • Build a solid foundation of commercial and legal expertise within a chosen area of law and strengthen relationships with clients, frequently acting as a direct point of contact.
  • Be responsible for some management and delegation of work to and support of junior colleagues.
  • Key responsibilities:

  • Role-specific – this role will entail a broad range of transactional real estate work, including investment, restructuring, development, acquisitions, disposals, corporate support work and real estate finance
  • Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
  • Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
  • Support the firm and others – establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
  • Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.
  • Qualifications, skills and experience:

  • Excellent academics
  • Significant post qualification experience in transactional real estate, operating at Mid-Senior Associate level (we would envisage suitable candidates to have 4+ years PQE but are happy to consider candidates with more or less PQE who meet the requirements of the role).
  • Extensive experience across real estate development, investment, acquisitions and disposals required
  • Be admitted to practice in England & Wales or having recent transactional experience within the jurisdiction
  • Solid knowledge of chosen area of law and industry sector(s).
  • Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
  • Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.
  • Team

    Real Estate

    Working Pattern

    Full time

    Location

    London

    Contract type

    Permanent Contract

    Diversity & Inclusion

    We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

    #J-18808-Ljbffr

    Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate employer: Herbert Smith Freehills

    Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises professional growth and client excellence. Located in London, our firm provides unparalleled opportunities for career advancement within a supportive environment, where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of our values. With a commitment to tackling complex real estate challenges and a reputation for delivering outstanding results, we empower our associates to thrive and achieve their professional ambitions.
    H

    Contact Detail:

    Herbert Smith Freehills Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the real estate sector, especially those who have experience with large firms like Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Attend industry events and seminars to make connections and learn about the latest trends and challenges in real estate.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with the key clients and projects that the firm is involved in. Understanding their portfolio will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in their work.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Stay updated on current market trends and legal developments in real estate. Being well-informed will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and showcase your expertise in areas relevant to the firm's focus.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm for informational interviews. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.

    We think you need these skills to ace Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate

    Transactional Real Estate Expertise
    Investment and Development Knowledge
    Acquisitions and Disposals Experience
    Strong Drafting Skills
    Negotiation Skills
    Project Management Skills
    Client Relationship Management
    Legal Research and Analysis
    Understanding of Regulatory Frameworks
    Financial Acumen in Law Firm Profitability
    Team Leadership and Mentoring
    Business Development Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Ability to Navigate Complex Transactions

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in transactional real estate, particularly in investment, development, and acquisitions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s values and ambitions. Discuss how your goals align with theirs and provide examples of how you have delivered exceptional client service in previous roles.

    Showcase Your Legal Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation, and project management. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully managed complex transactions or client relationships.

    Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves working closely with various teams, mention your experience in collaborating with colleagues and clients. Illustrate how you’ve contributed to team success and supported junior colleagues in past positions.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills

    ✨Know Your Real Estate Fundamentals

    Make sure you have a solid understanding of real estate principles, especially in investment, development, and acquisitions. Brush up on recent trends and landmark cases in the sector to demonstrate your expertise.

    ✨Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills

    Since client relationships are crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client expectations and built long-term partnerships. Highlight any experience you have in anticipating client needs.

    ✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

    Be ready to discuss complex scenarios you've navigated in previous roles. Employers will be looking for your ability to tackle challenging legal issues and provide innovative solutions.

    ✨Prepare Questions About the Firm's Values

    Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer places a strong emphasis on their values of being Human, Bold, and Outstanding. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of these values and how they align with your own professional ethos.

    Real Estate, Mid or Senior Associate
    Herbert Smith Freehills
    H
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