Associate Investment & Development (NQ)

Cathedral Appointments Ltd; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Exeter is seeking an Associate (NQ–2 PQE) for their Investment and Development team. This role offers an opportunity to work on a breadth of projects across Real Estate while being supported by experienced professionals. Ideal for a motivated junior lawyer ready to progress in a hybrid working environment with competitive salary up to £63k.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £63,000 DOE

Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)

Supportive environment for professional growth

Qualifications

• Seat or experience in Real Estate.
• Ability to manage matters independently.
• Genuine commitment to exceptional client service.

Responsibilities

• Handle acquisitions, disposals, and development work for clients.
• Provide advice on management and grant agreements.
• Support real estate finance transactions.
• Collaborate across departments on complex projects.

Skills

Strong technical and organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Commercially astute and proactive

Education

Qualified Solicitor (NQ–2 years PQE)

Job description

Up to £63k DOE | Hybrid | Exeter

Our client is a leading international law firm with a well-established presence in the South West. Known for its strong reputation across Real Estate, Corporate, Finance, and Private Wealth, the firm takes pride in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative culture. Their Exeter office, home to over 150 professionals, is a full-service legal hub supporting a wide range of public and private sector clients with a distinct regional insight and national reach.

The Role:

Due to continued growth, the firm is seeking a driven and confident Associate (NQ–2 PQE) to join their Investment and Development team within Real Estate. The successful candidate will join a highly regarded group of 46 professionals, including dedicated Real Estate Finance specialists. Working closely with respected senior lawyers, this role offers exposure to an impressive range of projects and clients across the private and public sectors.

Key Responsibilities of the Associate:

• Handle acquisitions, disposals, and development work for a broad client base including developers, investors, and registered providers.
• Provide advice on management and grant agreements, as well as other key commercial contracts.
• Support real estate finance transactions, including the preparation of CLLS certificates of title and management of conditions precedent.
• Collaborate across departments on complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring a seamless client experience.

Requirements of the Associate:

• Qualified Solicitor (NQ–2 years PQE) with a seat or experience in Real Estate.
• Strong technical and organisational skills with the ability to manage matters independently.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and confident working in a small but busy team environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Your benefits include:

• Competitive salary up to £63,000 DOE.
• Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote).
• Opportunity to work within a highly respected, expanding Real Estate practice.
• Supportive environment promoting professional growth, collaboration, and career progression.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious junior lawyer to develop their career within a leading firm recognised for its Real Estate expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in a progressive and people-focused environment

Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform you that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship either now or in the future.

Recruitment Consultant: Clodagh Murphy

Ref: 11050