Real Estate Associate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• Working as a direct extension of our client's in-house legal team, delivering directly to client business stakeholders, providing end to end outsourced managed legal services as part of a dedicated team.
• With a new and exciting client portfolio, our Tier 1 ranked team is looking for a Managing/Senior Associate and an Associate to join a dedicated managed legal services client service team.
• Delivering legal services using the latest innovative ways of working and drawing insights from the client's data to improve the services offered.
• Acting for a FTSE 100 Retail Company and supporting with the delivery of a full portfolio of services to maintain and manage that client's property estate.
• Our managed legal services delivery approach includes using our cutting edge technology, legal operations specialists and access to specialist lawyers, as well as bringing technical insight and training for our enthusiastic team members.
• Offering a real opportunity to be part of a new way of delivering legal services to an exceptional client.

THE TEAM

• The team forms part of our real estate managed legal services team, working as a dedicated client account team to deliver a range of services managing the client's property portfolio. The real estate MLS team sits within our real estate practice group, alongside the broader private practice lawyers. The candidate will not be required to work on other client accounts or support on wider Transactional Real Estate work.
• Effectively, the team act as a "one stop shop" for all legal services that would usually be carried out by an in-house team.
• The Real Estate Group is one of our largest groups and has advised clients in 98 countries in the last few years, working from over 18 offices on three continents.
• In delivering transactions we use the latest technology in conjunction with our in-house legal tech team, including the Orbital Witness and HighQ platforms in which all team members are trained. We encourage our team to think differently and to test the latest technology, including advances in generative AI.
• The broader client team has acted on all aspects of Real Estate work including on anchor developments, acquisitions, sale and leasebacks disposals and asset management. The client account team is led by two partners with a combined 40 years' experience working with this client.
• Managed legal services is an emerging area within the legal industry and we are at the forefront of legal innovation with our manged legal services team, redefining how we deliver value to our clients. It is a strategic focus for many of our clients looking to transform and digitise the delivery of services and drive new ideas and approaches forward.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE:

Associate:

• Working in a structured delivery model with clear guidelines, client know-how documents, dedicated support and supervision, legal tech and legal project management support.
• Working on a variety of interesting commercial property matters, from underleases, lease renewals and licences to disposals and acquisitions. Includes advising on property queries received from the client and bringing in specialist lawyers when needed.
• Working closely with wider client account team to ensure consistency of approach and sharing of best practice knowledge across MLS matters and broader private practice matters.
• Develop relationships with our client's internal teams, acting as a trusted advisor capable of providing timely and quality advice whilst managing expectations.
• Working collaboratively as a cohesive team, to execute large-scale, high-value, client matters to the highest standard.
• Offering a real work life balance with increased certainty and flexibility in hours, can be office based or primarily home based role with occasional travel to one of our offices.
• This role is a true extension of an in-house team but with the added support, training and opportunities working at our firm can bring.

Managing Associate/Senior Associate:

• Supervising and managing the portfolio of client work and supporting junior members of the team where escalations are required.
• Working on a variety of interesting commercial property matters, from underleases, lease renewals and licences to disposals and acquisitions. Includes advising on property queries received from the client and bringing in specialist lawyers when needed.
• Team lead responsible for the running of day to day resourcing & work allocation for the assigned client MLS delivery team of lawyers. Includes assessing and triaging requests direct from the client, based on business needs, complexity & urgency.
• Part of the MLS client account leadership team, liaising with the account client partner and wider MLS leadership team for client management activities, escalations, reporting on client matters & continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participating in continuous improvement projects to drive efficiencies, standardisation and enable the increased use of legal tech in the delivery of services. Supporting with client self service initiatives & training.
• Offering a real work life balance with increased certainty and flexibility in hours, can be office based or primarily home based role with occasional travel to one of our offices.
• This role is a true extension of an in-house team but with the added support, training and opportunities working at our firm can bring.

For both positions you will have the ability to work in a developing area of legal services, flexible working/part time allowed, standard working hours similar to in-house roles, creative focus with close access and training to innovative methodologies, continuous improvement, dedicated legal tech training and access to practice group training and knowledge team.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE:

• To be successful in this role, you will:

Associate:

• Have 2 years + experience as an Associate within commercial property and Real Estate matters in England & Wales, with retail experience desired.
• Maintain efficient diary and task management across a range matters, ensuring the accuracy and levels of client service expected within a high performing team.
• Be enthusiastic about the development of your legal skill set and continuous learning.
• Be confident in drafting clear and legally effective documents, which reflect the client's instructions.
• Be inquisitive and want to understand our clients, their drivers and what matters to them, so that your advice has quality, imagination, and impact.

Managing Associate/Senior Associate:

• Have 4-7years PQE experience as a Senior Associate/Managing Associate within commercial property and Real Estate matters in England & Wales, with retail experience desired.
• You will handle your own portfolio (with limited supervision) and assist the Partners and junior members of the team on more complex client mandates.
• You will also play a lead role in supervising and managing junior members of the team.
• You will play a significant role in working for our clients that are key to the MLS Group and to the firm.
• Have enthusiasm, resilience and ambition to find solutions to clients' legal challenges and requirements.
• Be open to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, finding new ways to optimise services and delivering value to clients.
• Experience of legal technology tools used in the delivery of real estate services.
• Be a confident stakeholder manager, with evidenced experience of engaging with internal and external stakeholders of all levels.
• Remain calm and optimistic in time sensitive situations or under pressure.
• Be inquisitive and want to understand our clients, their drivers and what matters to them, so that your advice has quality, imagination, and impact.
• We will also consider candidates from a commercial background with experience in M&A, licences, lease renewals and general estate management experience.