Location
Canary Wharf

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Clifford Chance's real estate team operates at the very top end of the real estate sector devising innovative, bespoke and commercial solutions for clients where real estate is the core asset. The team works across the entire property life cycle advising a full range of market participants on some of their biggest and most challenging transactions. You will advise on direct and indirect investments into pan-European portfolios and single assets across diverse asset classes including data centres, healthcare, logistics, operational real estate, student accommodation, PRS, BTR, life sciences, film studios, hotels, offices, retail, iconic London developments, urban regeneration projects, joint ventures, real estate M&A/private equity and financings.
Life in this tight-knit, collegiate team is dynamic and exposes you to the breadth of the real estate industry's leading players and their most complex matters. The team intentionally avoids commodity volume-based transactions, offering genuine opportunities to develop legal skills, commercial acumen and understanding of real estate as an asset class while being fully embedded in strategic client relationships.
The London real estate team is part of a market-leading global real estate sector team with over 500 lawyers across the UK, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and US. Given the international nature of clients and work, you will collaborate with a global network and benefit from the resources of a large international firm. The team prides itself on being inclusive, non-hierarchical and a genuine meritocracy.
As a senior associate, you will take a lead role in managing transactions and/or teams of lawyers, often across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions. You will draft, negotiate and analyse real estate and corporate real estate transaction documentation, joint venture agreements, development work, landlord/tenant documentation and provide real estate input on finance and corporate matters. You will work closely with partners and other lawyers, help develop junior lawyers and maintain a high level of client contact.
The role involves business development, managing client relationships, and organising teams of clients, lawyers and professional advisers. You will utilise firm tools and support services including AI and legal project management resources to ensure disciplined matter management. Clifford Chance encourages lawyers to take charge of their own development through mandatory and relevant skills, risk and legal training.
Hybrid working is supported in line with business needs and the firm's balanced hybrid working policy.
Clifford Chance offers a broad range of benefits supporting financial wellbeing, lifestyle and family friendly needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Experience
Senior real estate experience gained at a City firm or an overseas common law practice with a strong profile and solid grounding in real estate as an asset class. Corporate real estate experience is desirable but not essential. Demonstrable excellent document drafting skills, strong communication and analytical abilities, high commercial awareness, and experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams are essential. Proven appetite for developing client relationships and thought leadership is crucial. A strong academic history is required.

About you
You are committed to being a real estate lawyer first and foremost, with an interest in working across different industry sectors and asset classes. You are proactive, client-focused, and able to manage complex transactions and teams effectively. You embrace a non-hierarchical, meritocratic culture and are eager to contribute to business development and knowledge initiatives.

Qualifications
A strong academic background is essential. You will be expected to maintain and update your legal knowledge and technical expertise continuously through the firm’s extensive education programme and take responsibility for your professional development.