Real Estate Associate (3-5PQE)

Travers Smith is a leading full-service law firm, with a wealth of experience in its areas of specialisation. The firm has a market-leading reputation for its international expertise in Asset Management, M&A and Dispute Resolution & Investigations. Clients include asset managers across the alternative asset classes (private equity, venture, credit, infrastructure and real estate), publicly listed and private companies, financial institutions, and other business enterprises involved in large and complex UK and cross-border matters, transactions and disputes. Our purpose is to provide the highest quality of service to our clients whilst enabling our people to achieve professional fulfilment in a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.

Department

The Real Estate department is led by Emma Pereira, alongside three partners: Alex Millar, Sarah Walker and Gareth Wynne. The team also includes a Head of Construction & Engineering, Head of Planning and Head of Property Disputes. The wider team includes a senior counsel, knowledge counsel, 9 associates, 4 trainees and a paralegal.

Our real estate team has the expertise to advise seamlessly on the full life cycle of any real estate project. We are experienced in development and investment work, landlord and tenant issues and property financing transactions.

A range of high-calibre and high-profile corporate clients and investment funds rely on our team’s knowledge and experience regarding investment into a wide range of real estate asset classes such as operational real estate (including senior living and healthcare), retail, offices, build to rent, student accommodation, logistics, infrastructure and hotels. Our clients also come to us when they decide to move headquarters and need considered, thoughtful and responsive advice on the negotiation of their new leases.

For international mandates we call on our carefully cultivated relationships with leading independent law firms around the world to provide a first-class service for our clients wherever it is needed.

Working closely with real estate specialists within the finance, corporate M&A, funds, operational risk, pensions and tax teams, our real estate department regularly advises on all aspects of real estate.

The Role

With a strong pipeline of work across the department, and on the back of exciting growth in our client base including recent additions such as Greystar, Delancey, MARK, Invesco, Pinebridge Benson Elliot and Oxford University—we are seeking to recruit two Associates (3-5 years PQE, qualifying between March 2023 and September 2020) to join our practice. Supporting and working directly with Partners from across the practice you will play a key role in supporting (and, where relevant, leading on) the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of various real estate transactions.

This position requires a combination of technical legal ability, transaction management and relationship-building skills.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background and experience in at least some of our sub-practices at other top class law firms. The role will offer candidates a strong team environment with interesting and fast-paced clients and the opportunity to take on responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of real estate documents including sale agreements, leases, Certificates of Title and development agreements. Experience in joint venture and asset management agreements would also be useful.
• Closely work with peers and delegate tasks appropriately to junior Associates, Trainees and Paralegals, ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
• Work collaboratively with other practice areas within the firm, including building strong relationships with Associates in the teams across the firm.
• Sustaining strong relationships with our established client base, ensuring complete confidentiality in all dealings.
• Playing an active role in attending and participating in key industry events and other networking events. We encourage participation in BD activities for career progression and networking opportunities.

Personal Specification – Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• An outstanding academic record.
• Qualified England & Wales Solicitor, with specified PQE (3-5).
• Demonstrable experience working in a similar role within a Real Estate team in a similar firm.
• Proven interest and competence in comprehending the evolving nature of the Real Estate market.
• Competent in drafting and commercially astute.
• Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An inquisitive personality with a keen attention to detail.
• Can work both autonomously and within a collegiate environment.
• Resourceful with excellent time management skills.
• A willingness to show commitment and engagement to the firm's culture.

We are excited to be moving from our London headquarters in Snow Hill, to a brand-new building in the City – Stonecutter Court. The move is expected to take place in early 2026.

Diversity & Inclusion statement: We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of every individual including differences in gender, ethnicity, disability, faith, and more. We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and communities, where everyone feels empowered, respected, and heard. We actively partner with organisations and networks that champion equality and fairness, ensuring our policies and practices uphold these values.

Accessibility statement: If individuals have any accessibility issues when reviewing this document, please notify a member of the Travers Smith HR team so that the document can be provided in your preferred format, such as large print, audio, or braille.

Support and Adjustments for candidates: We are committed to ensuring that people who are disabled or have a long-term condition are empowered in their identity, valued equally, and listened to. If we can adjust the recruitment process to make it more accessible, please let us know. For further information please visit our website: Recruitment - Support and adjustments for candidates | Travers Smith