Principal Associate - Real Estate Finance in Oxford

We are hiring a Real Estate Finance specialist to join our national banking and finance teams.

The role offers exposure to a broad mix of domestic and international REF transactions, acting for lenders and borrowers on some of the most high‑profile and technically challenging deals in the market. You will play a key role in leading transactions, advising clients strategically and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

This role can be based out of any of our offices, except for London.

The person

You will ideally have 8+ years' PQE, with experience gained at a firm known for high‑quality banking & finance work and a strong focus on real estate finance. You will be technically excellent, commercially minded and ambitious to progress. You will bring strong communication and organisational skills, a collaborative approach and the ability to manage complex, multi‑disciplinary teams while delivering outstanding client service.

The activities

• Advise banks, alternative lenders, funds, fund managers and corporate and institutional clients on national and international financing transactions.
• Regularly work with LMA documentation, leading matters from both lender and borrower perspectives.
• Support the national real estate team on funding aspects of property transactions, including structuring, deferred consideration and overage.
• Advise the corporate team on REF funding issues in M&A transactions.
• Take an active role in business development, building and maintaining direct client relationships.
• Participate in national and international networking and industry events, including through professional memberships such as UK:RE and CREFC.

Our client base includes leading clearing banks such as NatWest, HSBC, Coutts, Barclays and Investec, major debt funds, complex corporate clients and an expanding portfolio of international banks and funds operating out of London.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.