1-5 PQE Real Estate Associate - Investment, Development & Private Equity Focus

Rutherford Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is offering an exciting opportunity for an associate to join a high-profile real estate practice in London. This role involves drafting and negotiating key documents, supporting complex transactions, and advising a diverse client base. Ideal candidates will have 1-5 years of experience post-qualification and strong problem-solving and drafting skills. Offering clear career progression and the chance to work closely with top Partners, this position promises a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 1-5 PQE in an International/City law firm required.
• Enjoys the challenge of complex, high-value transactions.
• Ability to engage directly with clients.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate documents for acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures.
• Assist on portfolio transactions and restructurings.
• Support development projects, including funding and construction matters.
• Handle real estate aspects of corporate transactions.
• Advise clients on major lettings and asset management.
• Manage multi-party deal processes.

Skills

Strong drafting ability

Problem-solving skills

Client-facing skills

Ability to balance detail with strategic objectives

Education

Qualified in England & Wales

Job description

Role Overview

Our client’s London Real Estate group is offering a first-rate opportunity for an associate to join a high-profile practice recognised for its work on complex and high-value property transactions. The team operates across the full spectrum of commercial real estate, with a strong presence in investment, development and private equity real estate. This role provides exposure to multi-jurisdictional deals, working alongside senior lawyers who are highly ranked in leading legal directories.

Practice & Clients

The practice acts for a wide range of clients, including international private equity investors, institutional landlords, joint ventures, financial institutions, and major developers. The team regularly advises on portfolio acquisitions and restructurings, forward-funded developments, investment sales and purchases, major lettings, and the property elements of corporate and finance transactions.

The client base spans multiple asset classes – office, industrial, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality – providing associates with exposure to a breadth of sectors and deal types. With team members having worked in-house at leading corporates, the group combines technical excellence with commercial pragmatism.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate documents for acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures.

• Assist on portfolio transactions, restructurings, and indirect investments.

• Support development projects, including forward funding and construction matters.

• Handle the real estate aspects of corporate and financing transactions.

• Advise clients on major lettings, asset management, and related matters.

• Engage directly with clients and manage multi-party deal processes.

Candidate Profile

• England & Wales Qualified

• This role will suit commercially minded lawyers with 1-5 PQE in an International/City law firm who thrive on the challenge of complex, high-value transactions.

• Strong drafting ability, problem-solving skills, and an aptitude for balancing detail with strategic objectives will be essential.

• The role is ideal for those who enjoy client-facing work across a diverse sector base.

Career Development & Opportunities

Joining this practice offers associates the chance to work closely with market-leading Partners who are consistently recognised for their expertise. The team’s track record across private equity and development work ensures exposure to sophisticated, international matters. Associates can expect clear progression, a high level of client interaction, and the opportunity to develop expertise in multiple asset classes within a collaborative and ambitious environment.

Formoreinformationaboutthisposition,pleasegetintouchwithMatthewMakrinos.

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Reference Code: 4598

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