Junior Legal Counsel (Real Estate)

McDonald's Corporation; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fast-food chain in the UK is looking for a Junior Legal Counsel to support their in-house Real Estate Legal team. The role involves managing lease renewals, conducting title investigations, and providing legal support for asset management and estates. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with up to 4 years of experience in commercial property law. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a hybrid working model with opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Industry-leading training and career development opportunities

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package including bonus and allowances

Gym access

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with strong academic credentials.
• Up to 4 years post-qualification experience in commercial property law.
• Able to provide pragmatic commercial legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Manage lease renewals, reversionary leases, underlettings, disposals and licences with minimal supervision.
• Conduct title investigations for potential acquisition sites.
• Provide day-to-day legal support to Asset Management and Estates teams.
• Assist with new store acquisitions and lease renewals.
• Liaise with external solicitors where required.

Skills

Pragmatic legal advice

Strong written and verbal communication skills

High attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Education

Qualified solicitor with strong academic credentials

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

We’re looking for a Junior Legal Counsel to join our in‑house Real Estate Legal team and support the legal needs of our property portfolio across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to a Senior Legal Counsel you’ll play a key role in delivering commercial legal advice across a broad range of real estate matters. From lease renewals to acquisitions you’ll be involved in the legal work that underpins our growth and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage lease renewals, reversionary leases, underlettings, disposals and licences with minimal supervision
• Conduct title investigations for potential acquisition sites
• Provide day‑to‑day legal support to Asset Management and Estates teams
• Own and manage Estates queries via the Real Estate Shared Inbox
• Review deeds, conduct searches and report on registered titles and lease provisions
• Support legal projects and policy development within the department
• Assist with new store acquisitions and lease renewals including title reviews and property searches
• Liaise with external solicitors where required and identify when external input is needed

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with strong academic credentials
• Up to 4 years post‑qualification experience in commercial property law
• Transactional experience (e.g. licences for alterations, assignments, under‑lettings)
• Able to provide pragmatic commercial legal advice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills adaptable to different audiences
• High attention to detail and a solution‑focused mindset
• Commercial awareness and sound business judgement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

What You’ll Get

• Access to industry‑leading training and career development opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued
• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including bonus, car and location allowance, free parking, lunch and gym access
• Hybrid working offering a mix of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote

Our Values

• Serve: Customers and people first
• Inclusion: Everyone’s welcome
• Integrity: Doing the right thing
• Community: Being good neighbours
• Family: Growing together