Baker McKenzie

The Team

Our London Real Estate team is a core part of one of the world’s leading international law firms and advises on many of the market’s most significant, complex and high-profile transactions. We act for major multinational corporates, institutional investors, lenders, developers and private capital clients across the full spectrum of commercial real estate work in the UK and internationally.

The team is recognised for its technical excellence, commercial approach and seamless cross-border capability. Working closely with colleagues across our London office and global network, we deliver integrated advice on landmark investment, development, financing, corporate occupier and sector-specific transactions, including hotels, logistics, retail and mixed-use assets.

Our practice offers junior lawyers the opportunity to work on sophisticated matters from the outset, develop strong client relationships and build their careers in a collaborative, supportive and high-performing environment.

Our work includes:

• High-value investment acquisitions and disposals
• Corporate occupier and headquarters leasing
• Real estate finance transactions
• Hotels and leisure sector transactions
• Real estate aspects of M&A and corporate transactions
• Development and regeneration projects, including data centre and digital infrastructure work
• Planning, sustainability and asset management matters

The successful candidate will join a close-knit and ambitious team where initiative is encouraged, responsibility is earned early, and high-quality work is matched by genuine support and development.

The Role

We are seeking a bright, commercially minded junior associate to join our highly regarded Real Estate team in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer at the early stages of their career to work on high-quality domestic and cross-border matters, develop strong client exposure and build a long-term career within a top-tier City practice.

The role will include:

• Supporting domestic and overseas investors on UK real estate acquisitions, disposals and asset management matters as well as development work which will include asset and corporate vehicle transactions 
• Acting on major landlord and tenant work for both investors and occupiers
• Working closely with colleagues in Banking, Corporate, Tax and other specialist teams on complex, multi-disciplinary transactions
• Assisting on the real estate aspects of real estate finance matters and corporate and M&A transactions
• Developing a strong understanding of clients’ businesses, sectors and commercial drivers in order to provide practical, relevant advice
• Building strong internal and external relationships and contributing to an outstanding client experience
• Participating in business development, know-how and profile-raising initiatives across the practice
• Taking an active role in a collaborative team culture that values knowledge sharing, development and excellence

Associates in our team are given meaningful responsibility and regular client contact from an early stage, with work allocated according to capability and development rather than purely by PQE.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Qualified solicitor (NQ – 2 years PQE) in England & Wales, or a lawyer with relevant common law training and strong experience of English commercial real estate
• Strong grounding in commercial real estate gained at a leading City or international law firm
• Experience of supporting complex real estate transactions, with a genuine interest in developing deep sector and transactional expertise
• Excellent academic credentials and technical legal skills
• Clear, concise drafting and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commercial judgement and an ability to deliver pragmatic, client-focused advice
• Proactive, organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues
• A collaborative approach, high professional standards and a strong sense of accountability
• Intellectual curiosity, sound analytical ability and a genuine desire to continue learning and developing
• An open, inclusive and professional outlook, with enthusiasm for working in a diverse international environment

Why join us?

Baker McKenzie is a truly global law firm. Founded in 1949, we advise many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organizations through our 13,200 people in 74 offices in 45 countries. Yet big does not mean impersonal. We work hard to ensure that everyone knows their role and has the support they need to perform it to the highest standard. Our culture encourages this - how we work, think and behave in a collaborative and fulfilling way.

In London you will be part of a 1,000 person office, which is also our largest office globally. Originally opened in 1961, Baker McKenzie London is well established in the UK as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country's most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, friendly and supportive.

The strength of the firm and our culture is evidenced by a number of recent awards, including:

• Ranked in Law. com's 2024 UK A-List of best firms to work at
• Included in The Times 2024 list of Best Law Firms
• Ranked in the Financial Times Most Innovative Law Firms in Europe 2024 list
• Listed in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2024-2025
• Winner: Pro Bono Initiative of the Year - The Lawyer Awards 2024
• Winner: Finance Team of the Year - Legal Business Awards 2024
• Ranked as one of the top 5 largest US law firms in London in The Lawyer's 2024 US 50

Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders.

To Apply 

At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. 

For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, Samantha Mann, Recruitment Manager, on 020 7072 5806 or Samantha.mann@bakermckenzie.com

Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice here.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.