Real Estate Finance Associate

Rutherford; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford in London is seeking an accomplished Associate to join its Real Estate Finance team. You will work on sophisticated cross-border transactions, structuring, negotiation and execution of a wide range of real estate finance matters.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic, commercially focused legal advice to high-profile clients and help manage client relationships and fee budgeting. Training and networking will be part of your development plan.

Qualifications

• England & Wales or Common Law qualified with 2–4 PQE in real estate finance.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent academic background and commercial awareness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of real estate finance transactions, including bilateral and syndicated lending, development finance, and investment finance.
• Draft, review and negotiate key transaction documents with accuracy and clarity.
• Lead deal structuring and overall transaction management with partners.
• Provide tailored, market-relevant legal advice with a commercial lens.
• Drive transactions forward with coordinated stakeholder engagement and timely execution.
• Support client relationship management, including fee budgeting and updates.
• Deliver training sessions and participate in networking to support client growth.

Skills

Drafting & negotiation

Cross-border teamwork

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Education

England & Wales or Common Law qualified

Job description

A top-tier US law firm is looking to appoint an accomplished Associate to its Real Estate Finance team in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven and experienced lawyer to join a highly respected, globally integrated practice.

The Role

As a Associate in the Real Estate Finance team, you will work on sophisticated, often cross-border transactions, advising clients on the structuring, negotiation and execution of a wide range of real estate finance matters. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and play a central role in delivering strategic, commercially focused legal advice to high-profile clients.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on all aspects of real estate finance transactions, including bilateral and syndicated lending, development finance, and investment finance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents with a focus on accuracy, clarity and commerciality.
• Work closely with partners to lead deal structuring and overall transaction management.
• Deliver tailored, market-relevant legal advice with a strong commercial lens.
• Drive transactions forward, ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders and timely execution.
• Contribute to client relationship management, including fee budgeting and regular updates.
• Deliver training sessions and actively participate in networking initiatives to support client development and business growth.

Requirements

• England & Wales or Common Law qualified with 2-4 PQE in real estate finance.
• Excellent academic background and demonstrable legal expertise.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiation, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Commercially astute with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident working within collaborative, cross-border teams in high-pressure environments.
• Proactive, adaptable and committed to continuous professional development and client engagement.