Partner - Commercial Real Estate/ Development

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a highly regarded, Legal 500 ranked West End firm that is looking to appoint a Commercial Real Estate Development Partner to help drive its thriving Real Estate group.

This is a standout opportunity for an established Partner (or a senior lawyer ready to step up) who wants to play a leading role within a development-focused real estate practice, working alongside a highly respected Partner who heads up the team.

The work this firm handles is high quality and sector-driven, surrounding hospitality, retail, leisure and wider commercial development projects across London and beyond.
This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys complex, commercially focused real estate work and wants a visible, strategic role within an ambitious, growing firm.

The Firm

This is a market-leading firm based in the West End with a long-standing reputation at the forefront of the media, entertainment, hospitality and creative sectors. The firm advises a diverse client base including developers, investors, hotel operators, restaurateurs, retailers, entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses in the UK and internationally.
Over the past five years, the firm has experienced significant growth, including international expansion, and continues to invest strategically in senior hires who can strengthen core practice areas.
Real Estate is a central pillar of the firm's offering, and the team is known for advising on development-led transactions and complex, asset-driven projects, particularly within the hospitality, retail and mixed-use sectors. The culture is entrepreneurial, collaborative and genuinely partner-led, with a clear emphasis on autonomy and long-term growth.

The Role

As Partner, you will join a well-established Real Estate team led by a highly experienced Development-focused Partner whose practice spans:

• Acquisitions and disposals
• Development projects
• Property finance
• Real estate corporate support
• Landlord and tenant matters
• Negotiation and granting of leases (hotels, retail, restaurants, offices, industrial units)
• Location and concession agreements

The incoming Partner will work closely with this existing practice, supporting and expanding with a business development/commercial focused mindset. There is significant scope to:

• Lead on high-value commercial development transactions
• Advise developers, investors, hotel operators and retail brands
• Drive complex leasing strategies across hospitality and mixed-use schemes
• Collaborate closely with Corporate, Hospitality, Media and Private Client teams
• Play a key role in shaping and growing the Real Estate Development platform

This is a strategic appointment. The firm is keen to further strengthen its development capability and deepen relationships with clients operating in asset-heavy, growth sectors.

The Candidate

The team are keen to speak with:

• An established Commercial Real Estate / Development Partner, or
• A Senior Associate or Legal Director with a strong development-focused practice ready for partnership

You will ideally have:

• A strong track record in commercial real estate development work
• Experience advising developers, investors, hoteliers, retailers or hospitality operators
• Expertise across acquisitions, disposals, development projects and complex leasing
• Strong commercial instincts and business development capability
• A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to wider firm growth

Sector alignment with hospitality, retail, leisure or mixed-use development would be advantageous, though not essential.

What's On Offer

• A high-quality platform within a respected West End firm
• Close collaboration with an established Development-focused Partner
• Access to a strong and loyal client base across hospitality, retail and investment sectors
• Genuine strategic influence within a growing Real Estate team
• A clear route to equity partnership
• Competitive remuneration and profit share
• A collaborative, low-politics partnership culture
• Flexible and hybrid working

This is an excellent opportunity for a Commercial Real Estate Development Partner who wants more than just a seat at the table, but the ability to shape a practice, build long-term client relationships and be part of a firm with real momentum.

Apply now for confidential consideration or contact Charlie Simpkin at JMC Legal Recruitment to find out more.