Real Estate Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm based in Exeter is seeking an Associate for their Corporate Real Estate team. The role involves managing commercial property matters, collaborating across various offices, and contributing to business development efforts. Ideal candidates possess strong drafting skills and a proactive approach to both risks and opportunities in commercial contexts. This is a chance to shape the growth of a new office while backed by a top-tier firm.

Qualifications

• Ability to draft with precision.
• Commercial thinking and risk assessment.
• Experience in business development activities.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied caseload of commercial property matters.
• Run own matters while managing significant deals.
• Collaborate across offices for client delivery.

Skills

Precision in drafting

Strong organisational skills

Proactive mindset

Ability to work in a team

Business development acumen

Job description

Associate - Corporate Real Estate

Exeter | Full-time | Permanent

This leading UK law firm has been advising clients for over 190 years, starting life in the Midlands in the 1830s and steadily expanding into a truly national presence with offices across England and Wales. The Exeter office is the newest chapter in that story, and they are now looking for an Associate to help grow their Corporate Real Estate capability in the South West.

The role offers the best of both worlds: the backing of a top 50 national firm with deep sector expertise, and the chance to shape something local and ambitious from the ground up.

The opportunity

The Corporate Real Estate team works with clients across retail, finance, logistics and other high-growth sectors. The successful candidate will handle a varied caseload of commercial property matters, from straightforward acquisitions to complex multi-site transactions. They will work closely with senior lawyers on significant deals, while also running their own matters and building direct client relationships.

Collaboration is at the heart of the role. This team works seamlessly across offices in Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Cardiff and Manchester, pooling knowledge and resources to deliver for clients. There is also scope for short-term client secondments, giving lawyers a deeper understanding of commercial priorities from the inside.

The person

This is for someone who can draft with precision, think commercially, and spot opportunities as well as risks. Strong organisational skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work well in a team are key. An appetite for business development will be valued, whether that is attending sector events, producing articles, or building networks.

Why this role stands out

Be part of a national firm with a history stretching back nearly two centuries yet a clear focus on the future.
Help shape the growth of a new regional office while tapping into the resources of an established top-tier practice.
Work with clients in some of the most dynamic sectors in the UK economy.

This is a rare chance to join a firm with deep roots, modern ambition, and the confidence to do things differently.