Real Estate Disputes – Associate / Senior Associate

This job is with RPC, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Role overview

The team The UK Real Estate practice is spread across the firm's Bristol and London offices. We have the resources and experience to deal with all aspects of commercial property dispute resolution and our reputation is built on our lawyers' in-depth knowledge and experience across a range of sectors. Legal 500 recognises the exceptional ability within the team, our reputation for taking a bespoke approach, and our understanding of our clients' needs (Legal 500, 2025). Our areas of focus include real estate investment, development and regeneration, retail and hospitality, corporate occupiers, hotels and leisure. The team also does a significant amount of work with an international element and collaborates with our colleagues in Hong Kong, Singapore and wider referral networks. We also work closely with the firm's corporate and insolvency teams, and its market-leading commercial disputes practice. The quality of work on offer is second to none and the firm's disputes teams have won multiple awards in recent years.

The role

We have a vacancy for an Associate or Senior Associate with 5+ years of PQE. You will have excellent real estate disputes experience and particular strengths in disputes involving commercial leases, real estate development, and property insolvency. You will have experience working in a fast-paced environment and enjoy client contact and building professional relationships. The ideal candidate will have gained their experience in a national/international firm or City equivalent. You would be expected to maintain your own case load, provide supervision to junior members of the team, and play an active role in business development.

Key areas of work that the candidate will be expected to pick up will include:

• Contentious lease renewals and related court proceedings.
• Interpretation and enforcement of lease obligations.
• Possession claims and related injunctive relief.
• Tenant/borrower insolvency.
• Disputes relating to joint venture agreements, development management agreements, and other types of property contract.
• Restrictive covenants and rights of way.
• Adverse possession and land registration disputes.

Knowledge, skills and experience

We are looking for:

• Solid grounding in real estate litigation and understanding of the commercial drivers that are important to real estate clients.
• Experience of managing complex matters and supervising junior fee earners.
• Strong technical expertise and an ability to communicate effectively with a range of commercial clients.
• Somebody who is able to work independently, but also a team player with a collaborative and flexible approach to working.
• Ability to build internal and external relationships and understand the expertise on offer across the firm, enabling the delivery of excellent client service.
• Commercial, committed and proactive approach, including responding in a timely manner to meet clients' needs and deadlines.
• Commitment to being part of a supportive, inclusive and collaborative firm culture.

About us

RPC is where you'll thrive. You'll join a team that leads by working together, where diverse perspectives are valued, curiosity is encouraged, and everyone pulls in the same direction to deliver commercially minded work that makes a real difference for our clients. It's this collaborative approach that's building RPC to become the destination firm in our chosen markets. We work with the biggest names in retail, insurance, technology, media and the professional and financial services worlds. Our international reach means we support clients wherever their business takes them. It's this focus that provides the platform for deep experience with the clients and matters that define our sectors. As a lawyer or business services professional, you'll be a part of a firm that inspires belonging - where people are involved, valued and trusted to do their best work. Flexibility and trust sit at the heart of how we work. And we're not standing still. Across every one of our offices, we're deepening our international reach and investing in where we're headed. RPC is a firm with momentum, and there's real opportunity to help shape it.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

We are problem solvers. Whether in front of clients or behind the scenes. To solve problems creatively for clients, we need diverse collaborative thinking; drawing on different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. That means that everyone who either applies to, or works for, the firm is treated equitably. We believe in removing barriers to equal access not least because our people define us and define what we do. If you need support and adjustments to do your best work, whether that's during the recruitment process or throughout your time at RPC, we're here to help. Flexible working that supports your commitments outside of work is an important part of our culture and, where possible, we will support this across all roles. Please get in touch with our recruitment team if you have any questions about our hybrid working approach or flexible working policy.

Recruitment policy

RPC manages all vacancies via our recruitment team. When external support is needed, roles are released to select agencies subject to RPC standard terms and conditions. Speculative or unsolicited CVs or profiles sent to any RPC employee or partner will not be accepted as an introduction, and no fee will be payable. For full details of our Agency Policy, please go to our website.