About the Role

Associate – Real Estate

London

Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office

Permanent

About HF

People. Not just lawyers

We’re not your typical law firm – we’re people with a passion for helping our clients and each other achieve the best possible outcomes. We are leading legal advisers to the insurance and commercial sectors across the UK & Ireland, known for our innovation, client focus, and long-lasting relationships. We do things differently, with a forward-thinking approach built around our clients’ needs, supported by cutting-edge technology and a culture built around people from a wide range of backgrounds who are taking an equally wide range of routes to building their careers in law.

About the team

We are looking for a senior lawyer with real estate experience to join as an Associate in our expanding Real Estate team to support the operational management of work from existing clients and the generation of work from new clients.

The team acts for several of the UK’s leading banks with a focus on private banks, and deals with all manner of lending including commercial, residential and development loans. Some of the team’s work is high-profile and high value.

The role will involve handling a very varied caseload of property matters including property lending dealing with and reporting to the banking client and securing the loan as instructed, development work including the purchase of large development sites, their funding and disposal together with commercial landlord and tenant management work. Furthermore, the role will also involve the purchase of commercial or mixed use investments properties including their purchase, funding, management and ultimate sale. A general understanding of planning and construction would be useful.

What you’ll be doing

Client Relationships

• Develop and maintain good client relationship skills, gaining client’s confidence and that of other professionals.

• Give clear, practical advice with sound commercial judgment and swift and accurate implementation of instructions.

• Take ownership of required aspects of the client relationship as agreed with the Partner / Client Manager.

• Receive requests for legal advice from current and potential clients and decide on the most appropriate responses to make to these requests.

• Will have an existing network of industry relationships and look to maintain and build upon those relationships for the benefit of the firm.

Business Development

• Commercially aware and fully familiar with the firm’s strategy. Comfortable undertaking knowledgeable discussion about our industry, threats and opportunities.

• Prepare for and help deliver presentations (seminars, marketing functions, training sessions etc.) as part of our added value services to our clients.

• Create the forum for creation and development of new products and services within the department – encourage others to innovate and promote the same to senior management.

Personal and Technical Skills

• Ability to achieve financial metrics, chargeable hours and billing targets.

• Maintain high standards of professional conduct while achieving agreed financial, operational and other performance targets.

• Work without supervision having developed a particular strength and reputation in your work area.

• Able to effectively manage and support more junior staff.

• Exhibit and promote a high level of technical competence within your department, acting as a knowledge hub supporting the production of technical material and training.

• Present complex material confidently both internally and externally via a range of media including presentations and written communications.

What do I need?

• A qualified lawyer (4 years plus PQE) with real estate experience

• Broad commercial and residential property law experience

• Experience with real estate finance and reporting on title to lenders

• Understanding of banking requirements and security documentation

• Exposure to private banking / high-value property transactions

• Experience acting for banks, lenders, or housing developers

• Knowledge of development work and planning matters

• Landlord and tenant experience (leases, renewals, advisory)

• Strong drafting and attention to detail

• Commercial awareness of the property market

• Ability to handle high-value, complex transactions

What’s in it for you?

Apart from the competitive salary you’d expect, our package of benefits reflects our values of partnership, innovation, and being real people. We’re committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of our success.

You’ll enjoy:

• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme

• Life Insurance & Income Protection

• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan

• Employee Assistance Programme & Digital GP services

• Pension Scheme

• Electric Car Scheme

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave

• Hybrid & Flexible Working Options

• Discounted Gym Membership & Employee Discount Hub

• Flu & Eyecare Vouchers – and more!

What next?

If HF sounds like a place where you could belong, we'd love to learn more about you!

Submit your CV here and we’ll be in touch if we have any opportunities that match your experience and interests. If we don’t have something right now, we’ll keep your details on file and may reach out in the future as part of our talent pipeline.