The Opportunity

Key internal relationships:

Supervising lawyer, other group partners, solicitors/associates, trainees/graduate solicitors, paralegals, secretarial staff

Key external relationships:

Clients, peers, contacts, other firms and professions (eg financial advisers, intermediaries, experts and local lawyers)

Practice group/team:

Directory rankings include | Top band for Chambers 2025 (Real Estate: over £150m) | Legal 500 2024 Real Estate Tier 1 for Investment, Development and Corporate Occupiers

Awards include | Property Team of the Year, The British Legal Awards 2022 | Real Estate Team of the Year, Legal Business Awards 2022 | Real Estate Team, The Lawyer Awards 2023 | Property Week Legal Team 2024

Our core real estate practice in London comprises 13 Partners, 3 Of Counsel and 42 Associates, and is led by Matthew White.

Our award winning international real estate practice has a reputation for executing the largest and most complex real estate deals with accuracy and at speed.

We provide advice on all aspects of general commercial property including investment, restructuring, development, acquisitions, disposals, corporate occupiers, PPP, corporate support work and real estate finance. The group also has first-class standalone planning, dispute resolution and construction practices.

Dedicated real estate group widely recognised as a market leader. Experienced in all aspects of property work for a diverse range of clients, including institutional investors, leading developers and public sector bodies. Instructed on many high-value and high-profile deals in the market, as well as handling major urban regeneration work. Widely respected for its ability to complete structured transactions that feature a blend of corporate, finance and land issues.

‘Fantastic team with depth of knowledge across the bench who have provided consistently good advice on numerous transactions.’

LEGAL 500 UK 2025

Commercial property: Corporate Occupiers

"They provide comprehensive and expert advice and have in-depth knowledge on the latest deals in the market, enabling them to advise on the best negotiating positions.“

CHAMBERS UK 2025

Real estate: £150 million and above

The strength, reputation and diversity of our practice is demonstrated by the following current and recent highlights, advising:

Allianz Real Estate on the creation of a student accommodation real estate joint venture with Greystar Real Estate Partners. Chapter Student Housing business comprises nine investment and development properties in key Central London locations
Aberdeen Standard Investments on the sale of Churchill Square Brighton to Ingka, the largest UK shopping centre sale post-COVID
MCR on its £275m acquisition of the BT Tower
The sale of solar farm owner Toucan Energy of a portfolio of 53 solar farms with a combined capacity of 513.5 MWp the portfolio is the largest operational solar portfolio transacted in the UK to date.
Related Argent on its major regeneration scheme for Tottenham Hale in London
British Land on their Canada Water development, on the management of Broadgate Estate and together with their joint venture partner on the sale of 5 Broadgate to CK Asset Holdings for £1billion
Brookfield on numerous UK investments and financing transactions including on the acquisition of CityPoint Tower, London, the pre-letting of 100 Bishopsgate, London and the development of London Wall Place
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) on their investment into three UK development projects at Paradise Circus, Birmingham, Wellington Place, Leeds and Milton Park, Didcot, with joint venture partner Hermes Real Estate
Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP) on the creation of a £500 million 'build-to-rent' (BTR) residential property joint venture with Long Harbour

Primary objectives:

Deliver excellent client service and manage and deliver discrete pieces of legal work.
Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
Build a solid foundation of commercial and legal expertise within a chosen area of law and strengthen relationships with clients, frequently acting as a direct point of contact.
Be responsible for some management and delegation of work to and support of junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities:

Role-specific - this role will entail a broad range of transactional real estate work, including investment, restructuring, development, acquisitions, disposals, corporate support work and real estate finance
Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
Support the firm and others - establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

Excellent academics
Significant post qualification experience in transactional real estate, operating at Mid-Senior Associate level (we would envisage suitable candidates to have 4+ years PQE but are happy to consider candidates with more or less PQE who meet the requirements of the role).
Extensive experience across real estate development, investment, acquisitions and disposals required
Be admitted to practice in England & Wales or having recent transactional experience within the jurisdiction
Solid knowledge of chosen area of law and industry sector(s).
Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.

Team

Real Estate

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

Herbert Smith Freehills

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