Real Estate Senior Associate

Gateley Plc; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Leeds is seeking an experienced Real Estate Senior Associate to assist in various aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including investment work, development support, and corporate compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in commercial real estate law, outstanding communication skills, and the ambition to progress to Partner. This role offers a competitive remuneration package, including opportunities for bonuses and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Annual bonus opportunities

Learning and development programs

Flexible working options

Health care benefits

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in commercial real estate law.
• Ability to handle complex matters confidently.
• Ambition to progress to Partner.

Responsibilities

• Assist in acquiring and disposing of investment properties.
• Support in site assembly and dealing with option agreements.
• Supervise team dealing with telecoms.

Skills

Commercial real estate law

Technical expertise

Outstanding communication

Proactivity

Collaborative spirit

Education

Qualified Solicitor with at least five years’ PQE

Job description

About The Role

As a Real Estate Senior Associate, you’ll play a pivotal role in our dynamic team. Your responsibilities will span a wide spectrum, including:

• Investment work: Assist in the acquisition and disposal of investment properties across England and Wales spanning various sectors including industrial and retail, and then be involved with asset management work.
• Development work: Provide support in acquisitions, site assembly, dealing with option agreements and easements, whether on behalf of developer or owner/occupier clients. Liaise with our planning and construction teams.
• General commercial real estate work: Deal with a wide caseload and support our wider real estate unit, whether acting on behalf of retail clients, owners or commercial occupiers.
• Corporate Support: Provide essential corporate support. Navigate complex transactions or ensure compliance, delivering invaluable insights.
• Telecoms: Supervise our team dealing with the intricate world of telecoms; understand legal nuances related to telecommunications infrastructure.
• New Business Development: Actively contribute to developing new business opportunities, shaping our growth trajectory.

The Team

Joining a Leeds Real Estate team led by two hands‑on Partners who set the pace and back your growth.

James Sargent advises on a full spread of noncontentious commercial real estate, from conditional contracts, option agreements and complex leases through to development and investment transactions across industrial, logistics and retail assets. His track record includes large logistics hubs, multi‑let industrial estates and portfolio acquisitions and disposals, offering learning on big‑ticket deals.

Miranda Stirling, also a Partner in Real Estate, works closely with clients on strategic property solutions and is recognised for her straight‑talking style and commitment to delivering tangible results.

Together, James and Miranda lead a team that thrives on collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. They are supported by talented Associates, Solicitors and Paralegals who handle a wide range of estate management, acquisitions and disposals, as well as infrastructure‑led projects in telecoms and EV charging. Values: clear communication, practical solutions, actionable advice.

The Person

To excel, you will bring:

• Technical Expertise: A strong foundation in commercial real estate law, with at least five years’ PQE. Demonstrate precision, sound judgement and the ability to handle complex matters confidently.
• Outstanding Communication: Translate technical detail into clear, practical advice for clients and colleagues. Style is professional yet approachable.
• Ambition for Growth: See this as a career move, aspire to progress to Partner, win new work, strengthen client relationships and raise the firm’s profile.
• Commercial Mindset: Proactive in spotting opportunities, promote the team and contribute to measurable business development initiatives.
• Collaborative Spirit: Works seamlessly with colleagues and clients, sharing knowledge and supporting others while driving your own development.

This is your chance to join a forward-thinking team where ambition is rewarded, ideas are valued and your career can truly take off.

Benefits

Support, coaching and feedback from engaging colleagues. Competitive remuneration package with opportunities for an annual bonus. Wide learning and development via the Learn platform. My Flex comprehensive rewards package includes options covering annual leave (including extra days), cycle to work, critical illness benefit, employee assistance programme, group personal pension, health care, season ticket loan and many more, grade dependent. Perks at Work/Home: retail benefits, Community Online Academy, free courses for all from fitness to coding to languages to hip hop dance.

About Us

Gateley is a legal and professional services group with formidable experts in all areas of law and business. We support more than 5,700 active clients across the UK and beyond, ranging from FTSE 100 companies to private individuals. Our culture is forward‑thinking, straight‑talking and solution‑driven, with shared values: Ambitious for Success, Forward Thinking, Room to Breathe, Trusted to Do and Working Together.

Diversity, inclusion, and well being

We recruit talented people from diverse backgrounds, providing equal opportunities regardless of age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, or culture. We offer flexible working patterns for a good work/life balance and encourage candidates seeking flexibility to apply. Recognised by The Law Society as a gold standard for our Diversity and Inclusion Charter and Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Additional Information

Pre-employment screening checks will be conducted, including eligibility to work, professional and academic qualifications, criminal records, financial stability and references. Checks relevant to the role will vary.