Real Estate Finance Associate (1 - 6 PQE)

CompanyA&O Shearman

LocationLondon, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/28/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Finance and investment analysts and advisers

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£45,800 (£23.49 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

We are currently recruiting for a Real Estate Finance Associate (1 - 6 PQE) to join our Real Estate Finance group in London.

Department overview

Recognised in the market as a leading finance practice, our combined real estate finance and global loans team advise the world's leading investment banks, specialist lenders, corporates and sponsors on their most crucial, high-profile, and pioneering transactions. No other firm can match our depth of experience and our unique understanding of every aspect of the transactions we work on.

Our real estate finance team advises on a diverse and often highly complex range of real estate finance transactions in the market globally. These include advising on the full spectrum of domestic and cross-border real estate finance transactions including senior debt, mezzanine finance, A/B structures, loan-on-loan and other back leverage structures and across the complete spectrum of asset classes including residential real estate, build-to-rent projects, business parks, hotels, logistics, student accommodation, data centres and offices. We have an unrivalled reputation for offering our clients exceptional market knowledge, built from a broad client base and our lead role on the most high-profile and innovative transactions in the market.

Our global loans team is consistently ranked as the number 1 legal adviser for syndicated loans in EMEA for both borrowers and lenders by Thomson Reuters and we act on significantly more corporate lending transactions, by number and value, than any other law firm. Our extensive coverage provides us with unrivalled market knowledge and cements our place as the "go to" firm to advise on "first of their kind" transactions that pave the way for the rest of the market.

As a combined practice, we have a strong reputation for our market knowledge, commercial acumen and innovative solutions, as well as our ability to anticipate issues, execute deals efficiently and help our clients navigate evolving legal and regulatory developments. Our lawyers provide a genuinely integrated international service, with our lawyers supported by specialists across different practices and offices around the globe.

The real estate finance and global loans team in London is made up of 7 partners and approximately 34 lawyers, trainees and paralegals.

Role and responsibilities

Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and amending legal documentation

Strategically advising clients in meetings, on the phone and in writing

Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately and efficiently

Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development plan

Legal research

Supervision of junior team members and managing other transaction parties including specialist and local teams

Key requirements

Qualified lawyer (1 - 6 PQE)
Strong technical knowledge of the legal framework surrounding real estate finance transactions and global loans
Intellectual curiosity and versatility
Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and transactions
Excellent client relationship skills
Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders

Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment

A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.