Associate - Real Estate (0598) in Cambridge

We are seeking a newly qualified solicitor or a solicitor with up to two years' PQE to join our highly regarded, Tier 1-ranked Real Estate team in Cambridge. Permanent. Hybrid working available for this role.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a newly qualified to two-year PQE solicitor to join our Tier 1 ranked Real Estate team in Cambridge. You will work primarily alongside partners Peter Collins and Tom Nash, both of whom specialise in development work, gaining hands-on exposure to some of the firm's most prestigious clients and market-leading and nationally significant development transactions. You will be joining a hard-working, ambitious and supportive team which prides itself on working collaboratively to deliver high-profile development projects. While the role has an emphasis on development work, you will also benefit from a broad range of commercial real estate work, giving you an excellent platform to build a well-rounded practice and accelerate your career.

The person

• You will have up to two years' PQE (or equivalent experience) in commercial real estate, gained within a large regional or City law firm.
• Ambitious, proactive and a strong team player.
• Solid technical grounding in real estate law and a desire to develop expertise.
• Strong drafting skills with clear and concise written communication.
• Organised, with effective time and matter management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Flexible and collaborative approach to supporting multiple team members.
• Strong problem-solving and lateral thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in using technology, including AI, to improve efficiency and client outcomes.
• Enthusiastic about embedding legal technology into day-to-day practice.

The activities

• Development Work: You will support complex development transactions, including site acquisitions and disposals, option agreements, promotion agreements and conditional contracts. The role involves conducting due diligence, reviewing title documents, raising and responding to pre-contract enquiries, reporting on searches, and working closely with colleagues across planning, construction and other specialist teams to deliver multi-disciplinary transactions.
• Commercial Real Estate: You will advise on the acquisition and disposal of commercial property, draft and negotiate leases, licences to alter, agreements for lease and other landlord and tenant documentation, and manage completion and post‑completion matters, including SDLT submissions and Land Registry applications.
• Client and Transaction Management: You will build strong relationships with clients through direct contact, delivering a first-class service to some of the firm's largest and most high-profile clients. You will also take ownership of workstreams within larger transactions, coordinating with colleagues across teams and offices to ensure seamless delivery.
• Professional Development and Team Contribution: You will contribute to the team's collaborative knowledge‑sharing culture and benefit from a structured junior lawyer development programme. The role also provides opportunities to participate in business development, client events and sector-focused initiatives, while working alongside colleagues across the firm's national real estate platform and gaining exposure to a broad range of sectors and asset classes.

The Benefits

As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.

Pre-employment screening

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self‑declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.

Use of AI during the recruitment process

Technology is changing rapidly and we are all increasingly using AI software in our day to day lives, as well as using it to support our learning and professional development. Here at Mills & Reeve, we embrace the use of technology and AI and we recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their applications. As a regulated industry, we expect candidates to use such tools responsibly, honestly and in a manner that allows us to make a fair and accurate assessment of their individual skills, experience and suitability for the role.

The firm

Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients.

By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is "Achieve more. Together.", which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!

Our values

• We're ambitious - We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we're passionate about our work.
• We're open - We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what's right.
• We care - We’re committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet.
• We collaborate - We’re easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together.

Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.