At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support on high-value real estate finance transactions and advise the CRE desk.
- Company: Leading global investment bank with a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with exposure to complex deal structures.
- Why this job: Join a front-office role that offers hands-on experience and long-term career potential.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with real estate finance experience and strong commercial judgement.
A leading global investment bank is looking to hire an experienced Real Estate Finance Lawyer to support its London‑based Commercial Real Estate (CRE) business. The role is embedded with the business, providing hands‑on legal support on complex, high‑value real estate finance transactions. This is a highly commercial, front‑office‑adjacent role, suited to a lawyer who enjoys close alignment with deal teams and is interested in a longer‑term platform opportunity rather than purely transactional cover.
Role & Responsibilities
- Act as the primary legal adviser to the CRE desk, with responsibility for advising on commercial real estate origination transactions.
- Support CMBS transactions.
- Work on large‑ticket, sponsor‑led financings (not volume or small‑loan work).
- Assist with bespoke and non‑standard deal structures.
- Provide pragmatic, solutions‑focused advice to support deal execution.
- Manage and coordinate external counsel (the desk typically works with a small number of trusted firms).
The role sits very close to the front office and requires a strong balance of technical ability and commercial judgement.
Candidate Profile
- Qualified lawyer with solid real estate finance experience.
- Experience gained in top‑tier private practice and/or a financial institution.
- Familiarity with working on transactions for large, sophisticated sponsors.
- Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, business‑embedded environment.
- Commercial, proactive and able to work with a high degree of autonomy.
- Previous in‑house or secondee experience embedded with a deal team.
- Exposure to CMBS and/or structured real estate finance.
- Broader leveraged or structured finance experience (useful given the bespoke nature of transactions).
Working Model
- Location: London.
- Working pattern: Ideally 5 days per week, hybrid working.
- Start date: Immediate start preferred, due to ongoing deal flow.
Interim Real Estate Finance Counsel (£190k-£210k) employer: Major, Lindsey & Africa
Contact Detail:
Major, Lindsey & Africa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Real Estate Finance Counsel (£190k-£210k)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the real estate finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and commercial judgement. We recommend practising common interview questions related to real estate finance transactions. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a strategic partner ready to tackle complex deals.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to ask insightful questions about their deal structures and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to provide pragmatic solutions. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Real Estate Finance Counsel (£190k-£210k)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your real estate finance experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role and how your background in commercial real estate aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and professional.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, emphasise your ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice. We’re looking for someone who can balance technical skills with commercial judgement, so make sure to highlight relevant examples.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Major, Lindsey & Africa
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your real estate finance knowledge. Understand the key terms and concepts related to CMBS transactions and bespoke deal structures. Being able to speak confidently about your experience and how it relates to the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Commercial Savvy
This role is all about balancing technical ability with commercial judgement. Be prepared to discuss how you've provided pragmatic, solutions-focused advice in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to support deal execution effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this position involves close alignment with deal teams, showcase your collaborative skills. Talk about times when you've worked alongside other professionals, managed external counsel, or contributed to a team’s success. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to complex transactions or how they manage relationships with external counsel. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.