Transactions Legal Counsel - Europe

Hines; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global real estate investment manager is seeking a Legal Counsel based in the UK. The role involves advising on real estate investment transactions and liaising with external law firms to manage legal risks. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of three years' experience at a major law firm and strong negotiation skills. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits in an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive training

Competitive compensation

Robust benefits

Generous vacation packages

Qualifications

• Three or more years' post qualified experience at a major law firm.
• Experience in structuring asset real estate transactions.
• Experience with transaction insurance products is beneficial.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate legal agreements for acquisitions and disposals.
• Draft and negotiate management and service agreements.
• Work closely with the Investment Management team to analyze risks.

Skills

Licensed to practice law in the UK or relevant jurisdiction

Strong commerciality

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Excellent academic qualifications

Job description

Overview

When you join Hines, you will embark on a career journey fueled by vision and guided by leaders who set the standards of our industry. Our legacy is rooted in innovation and excellence, earning us a spot on Fast Company’s esteemed annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies, as well as recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024. Discover endless opportunities to grow and make your mark at Hines.

Responsibilities

Reporting to Assistant General Counsel in Europe, the Legal Counsel will assist with Hines’ business and legal activities in Europe with a particular focus on real estate investment transactions, and real estate management services. Advising on risks and liability standards in connection with Hines’ investment transactions, as well as assisting with associated material management agreements, guarantees and funding documentation. Coordinating and providing guidance to external law firms to ensure all material legal risks, issues and disputes relating to Hines are effectively managed and controlled. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Review and negotiate legal agreements (prepared by outside counsel) for real estate asset or corporate acquisitions and disposals across Europe

• Review and negotiate forward development contracts from a buy-side or sell-side perspective

• Work closely with the Investment Management team and local teams across Europe to analyse legal and commercial risks, and implement Hines’ standard legal and risk positions

• Draft, review and negotiate management and service agreements for a vertically integrated business (asset management, development management, property management etc.)

• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of service contracts with Hines’ vendors

• Review guarantees provided by Hines entities

• Work on strategic projects such as preparing guidance notes & template documents for use within the legal team and the wider business

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements include:

• Licensed to practice law in the UK or other relevant European jurisdiction

• Three or more years’ post qualified experience working for a major law firm with experience in structuring and negotiating asset (and ideally corporate) real estate transactions

• Experience working with transaction insurance products would be beneficial

• Experience working with joint ventures would be beneficial

• Experience working on transactions with a development / construction aspect would be beneficial

• Excellent academic qualifications

• Strong commerciality – i.e., know how to get things done within a corporate organization

• Demonstrable organisational, problem solving skills, able to prioritise and work independently

• Rigorous, detail orientated, flexible, versatile and with good people skills and ability to work in a multi-discipline team

• Excellent oral and written communications skills and confident advising senior executives

• Fluent in English

Closing

At Hines, we strive for excellence as a leading global real estate investment manager, driven by our by our belief that real estate is fundamentally about people. Our diverse portfolio spans $93.2 billion¹ of assets across such property types as living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics and life science projects – all designed to enhance value, connection and inspiration. Our strategic approach integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks aligned with our convictions to exceed expectations and tailor solutions to our clients' needs.

While our projects are renowned for enhancing cities and pioneering sustainable practices, we recognize that the true driving force behind Hines' success is our 5,000 dedicated employees in 30 countries who draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward. This is why we prioritize investing in our people, offering comprehensive training, competitive compensation, robust benefits and generous vacation packages. By centering our focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, we cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone, including our clients, can thrive.

Hines is proud to be named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. ¹Includes both the global Hines organization and RIAUM as of December 31, 2023.

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workforce diversity.

No calls or emails from third parties at this time please.