The role

We are looking for a highly motivated principal associate to join our growing real estate development team. This exciting role will mean you are part of a national team working on large-scale, residential-led projects as well as providing you with an opportunity to continue to develop your skills in a wide range of real estate work including landlord and tenant work, options, pre-emptions and overage agreements, development agreements and leases. You will have development experience (ideally this being your main practice area), alongside exposure to a wide range of general and specialised commercial property work.  Some investment experience would be advantageous.
Areas of work
  • Development work (excluding construction) with a specific emphasis on large-scale, residential-led projects
  • Property investment portfolio acquisitions and disposals acting for both buyers and sellers
  • Advising private and institutional investors in relation to landlord and tenant issues
  • Property portfolio management (including supervision of a wider team who administer this support)
Client base
  • Strategic land developers, comprising a range of landowners, promoters, development managers, and master developers
  • Corporates with portfolio property holdings
Why should I apply
This is an excellent opportunity to join a firm rated as first tier in the Legal 500 directory and Chambers directory for real estate work.
What experience is required
We would be pleased to receive applications from all those with at least 8+ years PQE. You will have substantial real estate experience gained in a large regional or City law firm, and also have supervision and marketing experience.
In order to be successful in this role you will have the following:
  • Good academics, i.e. 2:1 degree or equivalent and good A Level grades or equivalents
  • Technically strong
  • Excellent written English for drafting purposes
In addition, you will be able to demonstrate:
  • A can do approach
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent time and file management
  • An ability to build relationships with clients and potential clients
  • Good research skills
  • Evidence of negotiating skills
  • Competent analytical skills, ability to work under pressure, flexibility and team working
  • Appropriate interpersonal skills as this work involves many challenges to practitioners, who must be able to deal with a variety of people issues
Who would I be working with
You will be part of a large national team of development lawyers acting for high quality clients. The team is part of the firm-wide Real Estate National Service Line, which is headed up by Richard Hanson, and supported by a professional support lawyer.
Pre-employment screening
Please note that, in the event that we make an offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes checks relating to your professional and academic qualifications, references from previous employers, your eligibility to work in the UK and any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You will also be required to complete a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability.
Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance
This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level ¿ the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment.
And finally
Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.