Senior Associate - Commercial Real Estate

Walker Lovell Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strong base salary

Clear progression to Director

High-quality client exposure

Flexible remote options

Direct access to decision-makers

Job summary

Walker Lovell Ltd is seeking a senior real estate lawyer to lead high-value commercial real estate transactions for a distinguished client base in the UK. The role offers autonomy to build a CRE function and grow towards leadership positions, with strong client exposure from day one.

Flexible/remote work with regular access to the London office and occasional travel. You will be supported by decision-makers in a collaborative, prize-winning environment focused on growth and strategic advisory

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years’ PQE in commercial real estate with experience at a recognised law firm.
• Strong client-facing and negotiation abilities.
• Ambition to build a practice or team and progress to leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value CRE transactions for HNW and investor clients.
• Convert advisory relationships into ongoing legal revenue across the property lifecycle.
• Build and shape the CRE function with autonomy to define direction and growth.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to unlock opportunities across a client network.

Skills

Commercial real estate

Client relationship building

Business development

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Location: UK - flexible / remote with access to London office

Travel: Occasional London travel

Compensation: Strong base salary aligned to experience + clear progression pathway

A rare opportunity to step into high-value work and build something of your own

Join a platform where premium clients, consistent deal flow and real autonomy come together - giving you the foundation to grow into a leadership role while shaping a commercial real estate offering around you.

• Strong base salary reflecting experience and scope
• Clear progression to Director and Head of Department (equivalent Salaried Partner)
• High-quality client exposure from day one
• Flexible working with remote options
• Supportive, collaborative environment with direct access to decision-makers

Why this business

A highly credible legal practice operating alongside a well-established advisory firm with deep-rooted relationships across HNW and UHNW individuals, business owners and significant property investors. This is not a cold start - the business already sits in the flow of regular real estate transactions, with an embedded client base generating consistent instructions.

The opportunity lies in unlocking that potential. With direct access to decision-makers, minimal hierarchy and a steady pipeline of untapped legal work, you’ll be positioned to expand the property offering and build a function with real commercial backing. The quality of work rivals far larger firms, but within a more agile and commercially focused environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead high-value commercial real estate transactions for an established base of HNW and investor clients
• Convert existing advisory relationships into sustained legal revenue across the property lifecycle
• Build and shape the commercial real estate function with autonomy to define direction and growth
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to unlock new opportunities across a wide client network

What you’ll bring

• c.8-10+ years’ PQE in commercial real estate with experienced gained at a recognised law firm
• Strong technical grounding with confidence handling complex transactions
• Ability to build trusted relationships with high-calibre clients
• Commercial awareness with an interest in developing a practice or team

Who this suits

You’re a commercially minded real estate lawyer at Senior Associate level who sees beyond the traditional law firm path. You want access to better clients, more meaningful work and the opportunity to shape something rather than inherit it.

You’re confident in your technical ability and ready to step into a role where you can build credibility, influence client relationships and grow into a leadership position. Whether you lean more towards technical excellence or business development, you’re motivated by the chance to turn that strength into something bigger over time.