We are working with a leading London firm with a top-tier reputation in commercial real estate to appoint a senior lawyer into its award-winning development and investment practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious associate seeking high-quality work, direct access to market-leading partners and a genuinely collaborative culture — all with unusually balanced hours for a firm of this calibre.
The Opportunity
You will work closely with two highly respected partners (amongst others) who are central to the practice’s success. Their work covers sophisticated development, investment and landlord & tenant mandates for well-known developers, funds, investors, operators and corporate real estate clients.
The role offers a high level of client visibility, involvement in complex and strategically significant transactions, and the chance to help mentor and supervise more junior colleagues.
The Work
The team advises on a broad mix of premium real estate mandates, including:
- Principally acting for developers on acquisitions, pre-lets and development agreements, including advising on constraints, practical matters and commercial risk points
- Supporting institutional investors, funds and RE managers on acquisitions, disposals, asset management and ongoing investment lifecycle issues
- Advising corporate occupiers and operators on leasing (including complex landlord & tenant arrangements), pre-lets and operational real estate
- Reporting for lenders and institutional funders, including preparing certificates of title and addressing due diligence risks
- Advising on ESG considerations throughout the lifecycle of an asset, from acquisition through development, occupation and disposal
- Working across the wider real estate group on high-value portfolio transactions and joint ventures
Why This Team?
This is one of the most respected commercial real estate practices in the UK market. The team is renowned for its:
- Deep experience in high-value commercial development and investment
- Strong roster of sophisticated developer, fund, operator and institutional clients
- Ability to handle complex, multi-layered transactions with commercial insight and technical strength
- Supportive, engaged partners who invest in talent and enjoy working closely with their lawyers
Why This Firm?
- Single-office model — one location, all decision-makers under one roof, a genuinely aligned culture and excellent partner access
- A full-service commercial offering with real depth, but with commercial real estate at the heart of the firm’s identity
- Market-leading rankings across development, investment and asset management
- Highly manageable hours — c.1300 annually, significantly below peer firms
- Hybrid working (typically three days office / two remote)
- Competitive salaries and strong benefits without requiring City-style hours
- A warm, cohesive culture that consistently attracts lawyers from top-ranked firms seeking quality work in a more supportive environment
About You
You will likely be:
- A senior associate or experienced mid-senior associate, qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales, with strong commercial property experience
- Confident advising sophisticated developers, funds, investors and large corporate occupiers
- Skilled at handling acquisitions for development, pre-lets, landlord & tenant work, and institutional-level due diligence
- Commercially astute, solutions-focused and confident navigating constraints and practical development issues
- Ready to supervise juniors and help shape the development of those around you
- Someone who values both high-quality work and a healthy, balanced working culture
Apply Now
If you are looking for a senior real estate position offering exceptional work, partner access and genuine work-life balance — without compromising on quality — please contact Jon Kennedy on 07376 288 737 or via jon.kennedy@ardentrecruit.com