Corporate Real Estate (Real Estate Private Equity) Associate

Overview

A leading international law firm is seeking a Corporate Real Estate (Real Estate Private Equity) Associate to join its London practice. The team advises sponsors, corporates and investment clients on complex real estate-led corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures.
This opportunity is ideally suited to a 2–6 years’ PQE associate with a strong corporate M&A background and an interest in real estate private equity and investment-driven transactions. The role sits at the intersection of corporate and real estate, offering exposure to high-value, cross-border mandates within a leading international platform.

What You’ll Do

• Advise on a broad range of corporate real estate and real estate private equity transactions.
• Support acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures involving real estate assets.
• Draft and negotiate key transactional documentation including SPAs, JV agreements and investment structures.
• Work across corporate, funds, finance and tax teams on complex multi-disciplinary matters.
• Assist on high-value UK and cross-border investment and sponsor-led transactions.
• Gain exposure to institutional investors and private equity real estate mandates.

Key areas include:
• Real estate private equity transactions
• Corporate M&A involving real estate assets
• Joint ventures and co-investment structures
• Cross-border investment and disposal work

About You

• 2–6 years’ PQE gained at a recognised international or leading City law firm.
• Strong corporate M&A experience with exposure to real estate or investment structures.
• Experience working on joint ventures, private equity or sponsor-led transactions.
• Strong drafting skills and ability to manage full transactional workstreams.
• Ability to work seamlessly across corporate and real estate teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and client-facing capability.

Preferred experience:
• Exposure to real estate private equity or fund structures.
• Experience working on cross-border or international transactions.
• Understanding of investment structures involving real estate assets.
• Strong academic background.
• England & Wales qualification preferred, though Irish-qualified lawyers considered with relevant experience.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a growing corporate real estate / real estate private equity practice within a major international firm.
• Exposure to complex, high-value cross-border transactions.
• Close collaboration with leading corporate, funds and real estate teams globally.
• Strong partner access and early responsibility within a lean team structure.
• Excellent platform for development in investment-driven real estate work.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive City of London compensation package.
• Salary discussed directly with partners at final stage.
• No bonus structure (compensation fully reflected in base salary).
• No formal billable hour targets.
• Informal utilisation range of approximately 1,500–2,000 hours.
• Flexible, non-target-driven culture compared to peer firms.

The Process

• Multi-stage interview process led by partners.
• Stage 1: Interview with two lead partners (exploratory fit-focused discussion).
• Stage 2: Two further partner interviews focusing on technical capability and experience.
• Stage 3: Final sign-off meeting with senior leadership.
• Informal associate meetings may occur at any stage to assess cultural fit.
• No formal technical tests; emphasis is on experience, motivation and fit.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are a Corporate Real Estate / Real Estate Private Equity Associate (2–6 years’ PQE) seeking to join a high-quality international practice in London, apply today.