Real Estate Finance Associate

Overview

A leading international law firm is seeking a Real Estate Finance Associate to join its London practice. The team advises borrowers, lenders and investors on a broad range of real estate financing transactions, including investment, portfolio and development finance work.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a 2–6’years’ PQE associate looking to gain exposure to high-value, cross-border real estate finance transactions within a lean but high-performing team. The practice works closely with colleagues across the US and Europe, offering strong international exposure and regular partner interaction.

What You’ll Do

• Advise on a broad range of real estate finance transactions including investment and development financings.
• Draft and negotiate key finance documentation including facility agreements, security packages and intercreditor arrangements.
• Support both borrower-side and lender-side transactions across domestic and cross-border deals.
• Conduct legal due diligence and risk analysis on complex financing structures.
• Work closely with partners and senior associates on high-value, multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Collaborate with international offices on cross-border financing workstreams.

Key areas include:
• Investment and acquisition finance
• Development finance
• Portfolio and refinancing transactions
• Cross-border real estate finance structures

About You

• 2–6 years’ PQE gained at a recognised international or strong City law firm.
• Experience in real estate finance, banking or leveraged finance transactions.
• Strong drafting skills with ability to handle core finance documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and workstreams effectively.
• Strong communication skills and commercial awareness.
• Confident in discussing deal experience in detail.

Preferred experience:
• Exposure to both borrower and lender-side work.
• Experience working on cross-border or international transactions.
• Familiarity with real estate security structures and financing arrangements.
• Strong academic background.
• England & Wales qualification preferred, but Irish, Australian and New Zealand-qualified lawyers also considered.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a growing real estate finance practice within a major international firm.
• Exposure to high-value, cross-border transactions across US and European markets.
• Strong partner access within a lean and collaborative team structure.
• Excellent platform for development in a highly regarded RE finance practice.
• Genuine opportunity to take on substantive responsibility early in role.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive City of London compensation package.
• Salary discussed directly with partners at final stage.
• No formal bonus structure (fully base salary driven).
• Informal hours expectation of approximately 1,800 hours.
• Flexible, non-target-driven working 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 Real Estate Finance Associate (2–6 years’ PQE) seeking to join a high-quality international practice in London, apply today.