Legal Counsel - Real Estate Investment and Development

Real Estate Developer | Central London

About Our Client

Our client is a privately owned, trusted group of companies focused on the student, build to rent, hotel and commercial sectors in London and across the United Kingdom.

Founded in 2011, they have grown into a market-leading real estate platform with assets under management of more than £2 billion. They are an end-to-end business, with capabilities spanning acquisition, design, planning, development, and asset management.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their legal team, providing support and advice on investment and development activities in real estate. Working collaboratively with the existing Senior Legal Counsel and guided by the Executive Director (also a qualified solicitor) and Investment Director, this is an excellent opportunity to become a trusted adviser working independently across multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Acquisition & Pre-Development

• Reviewing project proposals and assessing legal feasibility
• Conducting due diligence on property acquisitions and assessing legal risks
• Instructing external counsel on purchase agreements, option agreements, and related contracts
• Drafting and negotiating NDAs with partners and consultants

Design & Construction

• Drafting and reviewing professional appointments for consultants and contractors
• Providing legal oversight for construction contracts, warranties, and performance bonds
• Advising on insurance coverage and liability issues
• Resolving disputes, claims, and change orders during construction

Funding

• Assisting in structuring financing arrangements including loans, equity investments, and joint ventures
• Instructing external counsel on loan agreements, security documents, and investment contracts
• Ensuring compliance with financing covenants and requirements

Handover & Operations

• Reviewing handover documentation and warranties
• Advising on property management agreements and lease negotiations
• Assisting with ongoing compliance, maintenance, and regulatory issues

Disposals

• Managing legal aspects of property sales and instructing external counsel on sale agreements
• Overseeing due diligence for potential buyers
• Ensuring proper title transfer and resolution of outstanding legal issues

Your Profile

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent) with 3+ years PQE
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage own workload to tight deadlines
• Self-starting mentality with the ability to work independently and prioritise multiple workstreams
• Confident, professional with excellent communication skills
• Keen eye for detail and commitment to high standards
• Skilled at turning complicated legal advice into digestible information for non-legal colleagues

Desirable

• Previous in-house experience and/or exposure to multiple real estate asset classes

Personal Qualities

• Proactive approach with ability to work with initiative and discretion
• Strong relationship management skills, both internally and externally
• Motivated to become a trusted adviser to the Group