Associate/Senior Associate, Commercial Real Estate (ideally 3 – 6 years PQE)

We’re looking to hire a solicitor to join our renowned Commercial Real Estate team on a permanent and full-time basis.

You will ideally have 3 – 6 years PQE from another similar or City firm. The role will involve working with UK asset managers with a full range of asset management/sales and acquisitions/financing/complex agreement for lease transactions in a variety of sectors (retail/restaurant/industrial/office).

The role will also involve a range of Central London estates/City livery companies involving asset management work but also headleases/property rights/rights of light/turnover leases for mixed-use historic estates. There will be some development/finance work although this will not be the majority of the role. Also working with our corporate occupier and tenants team for a range of prominent UK and international clients, spanning a variety of industries; from film and television to retail, finance, media and professional services.

The role will involve working alongside construction, tax and planning colleagues to support occupiers with the negotiation of leases and pre-letting agreements for premises and HQ relocations, disposals, lease extensions, regears, refurbishment projects and portfolio management.

What sort of work?

• We would like to hire a solicitor to join our renowned Commercial Real Estate team on a permanent and full-time basis.
• You will ideally have 3 – 6 years PQE from another similar or City firm, with an excellent grounding in L&T and transaction due diligence.
• The role will involve working with UK asset managers with a full range of asset management/sales and acquisitions/financing/complex agreement for lease transactions in a variety of sectors (retail/restaurant/industrial/office). The role will also involve a range of Central London estates/City livery companies involving asset management work but also headleases/property rights/rights of light/turnover leases for mixed-use historic estates. There will be some development/finance work although this will not be the majority of the role.
• Working with our corporate occupier and tenants team for a range of prominent UK and international clients, spanning a variety of industries; from film and television to retail, finance, media and professional services. The role will involve working alongside construction, tax and planning colleagues to support occupiers with the negotiation of leases and pre-letting agreements for premises and HQ relocations, disposals, lease extensions, regears, refurbishment projects and portfolio management.
• The role would involve working for two partners who work closely together taking a lead role with key clients on a day-to-day basis.
• An important aspect of the position will be playing a long-term role in sector teams/building a relationship with clients – both partners have very active business development plans and are seeking a candidate with the ability and enthusiasm to help push these forward.
• The role will involve sharing responsibility for supervision with the two partners and, in particular, taking a lead role on transactions and co-ordinating a wider team from other departments (e.g. construction/planning/litigation).

Why Forsters?

We are renowned for our private wealth and real estate focus, together with our strong corporate and commercial and dispute resolution teams. We work alongside individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of complex matters and situations.

What makes us different is how we build closer connections with our clients to deliver exceptional results. We do it through creating genuine relationships, a sharp focus on what matters to them and the flexibility to adapt our advice to their situation.

When you come through our door, you’ll notice how genuinely open, friendly and authentic people are. We work well together because we have fun together. We take your happiness and wellbeing seriously. Here, you are free to express yourself and be the best you can be.

Delivering exceptional results takes on a different meaning at Forsters. For us, it’s about being more closely connected to clients, each other and our communities. It’s what drives us, them and you forward.

What we offer

• You’ll work on high-quality matters and with high-quality clients.
• Opportunities to collaborate across practice groups.
• Work in a team with a strong reputation and leaders in the field.
• Provide the support you need to develop in your role.
• Opportunities to have an impact inside and outside of the firm (through our Responsible Business activities).
• Benefits.
• Hybrid working.
• Professional development.
• Community and pro bono.

Why this team?

With one of the largest dedicated real estate practices in the market, our team of over 120 lawyers is renowned for delivering high-quality, seamless service. We take pride in our partner-led approach, tackling complex issues and working closely with our clients throughout the entire asset lifecycle. Put simply, our clients are at the heart of everything we do and by building closer connections with them we achieve exceptional results.

Our diverse client base includes institutional investors, private and publicly quoted property companies, funders, developers, occupiers, rural and urban estates, charities, high net worth individuals, and landowners involved in all types of commercial real estate matters. Some of our esteemed clients are BA Pension Fund (via their asset manager, BlackRock), Fiera Real Estate, General Projects, Knight Dragon, LaSalle Investment Management, Octopus Real Estate, Swiss Life Asset Management, Notting Hill Genesis, Patrizia, PLP, Schroders and The Crown Estate.

We are a go-to firm for overseas investors looking to enter or expand their presence in the UK market. Our combined strengths in property and wealth management enable us to offer a fully integrated service to both private and institutional investors. Our sophisticated clients expect comprehensive, tailored advice across all real estate services, consistently delivered at the highest level. Whether advising on high-value investment assets, complex mixed-use development projects, joint ventures, corporate structures or large corporate occupational requirements, our breadth and depth of experience set us apart from the competition.

What is the environment?

You’ll be in an environment of happiness, collaboration and flexibility. We take our work seriously and being happy and having fun is an integral part of that. We work both in and out of the office in Marylebone depending on what’s best for our clients, our team, our business and our professional growth.

Are we right for you?

We are looking for you to bring your energy and enthusiasm to work every day and to collaborate and work with colleagues as one team, to listen and consider each other. We ask you to take responsibility for your growth and development, share your ideas and let us know what you want to achieve. We are looking for you to get involved in our responsible business activities, pro bono, community and sustainability initiatives.

Other skills required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised manner with ability to prioritise workload.
• Motivated and pro-active with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Can adhere to tight and demanding deadlines.
• Ability to interact with people at all levels.
• Self-motivated individual with a proactive approach.
• Calm and efficient under pressure.
• Flexible as regards to time and duties.
• Good attention to detail. Accurate and thorough.

Equal opportunities

Forsters LLP is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for everyone.

We strive to attract and encourage applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, age, race, nationality, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Click here to find out more about how we are committed to building a culture where our people can thrive.

If you require any support or adjustments in the application or hiring process, please let us know.