Real Estate Finance Lawyer

Job Description

Overview

An international law firm is seeking a Real Estate Finance Associate to join its London office as part of a growing team. The practice advises lenders, borrowers and investors on a broad range of domestic and cross-border real estate finance transactions.

The London team works closely with colleagues across the firm’s US and European offices, giving associates exposure to complex international financings despite the relatively lean London headcount. The current hire forms part of a strategic growth plan, with the team looking to bring in multiple associates during the year to deepen capability at associate level.

This role is well suited to a 2–6 PQE associate looking to work on sophisticated transactions while building their profile within a respected real estate finance practice.

What You’ll Do

• Advise on a broad range of real estate finance transactions, acting for both lenders and borrowers.

• Support on acquisition, development and investment financings across a variety of commercial real estate assets.

• Draft, review and negotiate finance documentation, including facilities agreements, security documentation and intercreditor arrangements.

• Work on refinancings, restructurings and portfolio financings across domestic and cross-border transactions.

• Collaborate with colleagues across real estate, banking, restructuring, tax and corporate teams to deliver integrated advice.

• Manage workstreams within transactions from structuring through to completion.

• Develop relationships with clients and support broader team and business development initiatives.

About You

• England & Wales qualified solicitor, or a common law qualification such as Irish, Australian or New Zealand.

• 2–6 PQE with experience in real estate finance gained at a leading UK or international law firm.

• Experience acting for both lenders and borrowers across real estate finance transactions.

• Strong academic background and solid technical drafting skills.

• Confident communicator with the ability to clearly articulate deal experience and demonstrate commercial awareness.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, transaction-driven environment.

• Genuine interest in joining and developing within the firm’s London platform.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a growing real estate finance team with plans to expand at associate level.

• Exposure to complex cross-border real estate financings alongside colleagues in the US and Europe.

• Work on high-quality transactions advising leading borrowers, lenders and investors.

• Competitive London market compensation, with salary discussed directly with partners during the process.

• Collaborative working environment with strong partner access and development opportunities.

• Balanced culture with no formal billable hour targets (typical utilisation around 1,800 hours).