Real Estate Finance Lawyer - First In-house hire

A fast-growing real estate investment portfolio company is seeking to appoint its first In-House Legal Counsel. This newly created role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of UK and European real estate finance transactions. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the firm’s investment and asset management teams, playing a pivotal role in shaping the legal function of a dynamic and entrepreneurial business.

The role will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s legal strategy, managing legal risk, and supporting complex, high-value transactions. This role combines strategic advisory responsibilities with hands-on legal work, offering a unique opportunity to influence the business at a critical stage of its growth. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, ideal for a legal professional who thrives on variety and impact.

Key responsibilities include providing clear, commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of real estate finance matters. The Legal Counsel will lead legal aspects of transactions, including due diligence, documentation, and stakeholder coordination. They will also be responsible for drafting and negotiating complex financial agreements such as loan documents, intercreditor agreements, and securitisations. In addition, the role involves developing internal legal policies, governance structures, and compliance frameworks, as well as training teams to identify and manage legal risks throughout the investment process. Managing relationships with external legal advisors to ensure quality and cost efficiency will also be a key part of the role.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with at least five years of post-qualification experience. They will bring a strong background in UK and European real estate finance, debt finance, or structured finance, along with proven expertise in negotiating and interpreting complex financial documentation. Excellent communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non-legal colleagues. The successful candidate will be adaptable, proactive, and comfortable operating in a high-growth, entrepreneurial setting.

This is a unique opportunity to become the first in-house legal hire at a company poised for significant expansion. The role offers the autonomy to build and shape the legal function from the ground up, while contributing directly to transformative real estate deals across the UK and Europe. For a legal professional seeking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-moving business, this is a compelling next step.