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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on complex real estate development and investment projects.
- Company: Join a leading law firm known for its supportive and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dynamic world of real estate law.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in real estate with strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
The role: Principal Associate / Legal Director (8 years+ PQE upwards) to join our Real Estate team in Leeds. We are looking for someone with a broad range of experience, with a focus on development and investment work. Our development team provides expert advice to clients across the UK on projects including industrial, office, logistics, retail and living sectors. We support every stage of the development lifecycle from conditional land acquisition and securing pre-lets, to forward funding, construction contracting, and disposal of completed investments. With specialists in planning, environmental law, real estate tax, construction and banking, we deliver comprehensive guidance to help clients manage risk and navigate complex development challenges.
As a people-centric firm, we invest in developing our people by providing a supportive work culture in an innovative and flexible environment, giving you opportunities to develop your career here for the future.
Responsibilities
- Provide motivated, driven commercial real estate advice with deep expertise in advising on complex property development and investment work across the sectors mentioned.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the full development lifecycle from conditional land acquisition and securing pre-let agreements with occupiers, through to structuring forward funding arrangements, supporting the borrowing process and managing the purchase/disposal of completed investments.
- Apply a solid foundation in real estate law to deliver strategic, commercially sound, and legally robust outcomes with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Qualifications
- 8+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) in real estate, with a focus on development and investment work.
- Strong grounding in real estate law and ability to manage complex property matters across multiple sectors.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and proactive problem-solving capabilities.
The Team
Our Real Estate Division is a central pillar of the firm’s strategy and one of the largest and most respected in the UK, operating nationally across 13 locations with over 460 professionals and 50+ Partners. The Division is structured into five specialist teams: Construction, Core Real Estate, Planning, Property Litigation, and Swiitch, enabling delivery of comprehensive and sector-leading advice across the full real estate lifecycle. We advise developers, investors, funders, occupiers and public sector bodies, with a focus on deep sector knowledge, technical excellence and a commitment to an outstanding client experience. The Leeds real estate group has seen significant growth in recent years, and is recognized in Legal 500 and Chambers directories.
The Firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and a focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses, empowering our people to be their authentic selves and to collaborate in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. We are the first top 50 law firm to achieve Platinum Standard Investors in People; our values and culture reflect this commitment. We offer an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration, high-quality work, and supportive environment.
Equal opportunities
Our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being underpins how we work. We aim to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and fosters a strong sense of community. This means everyone who applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Real Estate Principal Associate / Legal Director employer: SHOOSMITHS
Contact Detail:
SHOOSMITHS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Real Estate Principal Associate / Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the real estate sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, make sure to highlight your experience in property development and investment. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its projects. Understand their approach to real estate law and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can hit the ground running!
✨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 firm. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Real Estate Principal Associate / Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Real Estate Principal Associate / Legal Director role. Highlight your experience in development and investment work, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: We want to see your deep understanding of the full development lifecycle. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your knowledge in areas like land acquisition, pre-lets, and funding arrangements.
Communicate Clearly: Excellent communication is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. We appreciate clarity and conciseness, so keep it professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Leeds team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SHOOSMITHS
✨Know Your Development Lifecycle
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the full development lifecycle, from land acquisition to disposal. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you navigated challenges at each stage.
✨Showcase Your Sector Knowledge
Demonstrate your expertise in various sectors like industrial, office, and retail. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in these areas, especially any complex property matters you've successfully managed.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing legal concepts or negotiation strategies. Consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Your People-Centric Approach
Since the firm values a supportive work culture, be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration and support within teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.