Associate/ Senior Associate – Commercial Real Estate (4+ PQE)

Associate/ Senior Associate – Commercial Real Estate (4+ PQE)

Manchester | Competitive Salary + Benefits | Hybrid Working | Legal 500 recognised team

Quastels LLP is opening a new Manchester office and is looking for an ambitious commercial real estate solicitor to join at Associate or Senior Associate level.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and entrepreneurial firm and to be involved in establishing and growing the Manchester office from the outset. The firm is Legal 500 ranked for both Commercial Real Estate and Hospitality & Leisure work (amongst other rankings), has a first-class client base, and the Commercial Real Estate team advises on a broad range of high-value and complex commercial property matters. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting existing clients, developing new relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the team.

 The Role

The role will be based in Manchester, initially consisting of a small Partner led team, and this will be a hands-on role for someone who enjoys taking initiative while working collaboratively. There will be significant potential for growth of the team which the successful candidate will be encouraged to support.

As well as work generated from the Manchester office and existing contacts, there will also be work derived from the London office to serve, with direct access to those clients. A core part of the role will be supporting the London team’s existing caseload and working closely with the wider team in London. You will advise a diverse portfolio of existing clients, including high-net-worth individuals, property investors, developers, luxury retail brands and corporate clients, on a broad range of commercial property transactions, including:

• Commercial acquisitions and disposals
• Landlord and tenant matters
• Property finance transactions
• Commercial property support on corporate acquisitions, disposals and restructurings
• General asset management work

The role offers significant client contact and the opportunity to work closely with Partners across a varied and high-quality caseload, whilst managing your own experience-appropriate matters and client relationships, with Partner support where required.

Alongside the fee earning work, you will support the Partner who heads up the Manchester office in building the office’s local profile and client and referrer relationships, including through networking, meeting contacts and business development initiatives, building on the reputation of the firm with a view to continuing to grow and develop the Manchester team and the firm as a whole.

 About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate

• 4 + years' post-qualification experience in Commercial Real Estate with experience appropriate to Associate or Senior Associate level, and an interest in complex matters.
• Experience gained at a respected and highly regarded private practice law firm.
• Excellent academics, including a 2:1 degree or above.
• Strong professional qualifications, with Merit or Distinction at LPC level or equivalent.
• Strong technical skills and experience across commercial acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant work, and corporate support transactions, ideally with some experience of or interest in development and/or real estate finance work.
• Proven ability to manage a busy, experience-appropriate caseload independently with minimal supervision, recognising when to seek Partner input.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build trusted, long-term client relationships and advise sophisticated clients.
• Experience acting for high-net-worth individuals, investors, developers, luxury retail brands or similar commercial clients would be advantageous.
• A collaborative, team-led approach and the ability to build strong relationships across the wider firm.
• A proactive and commercial mindset, with a genuine appetite to help build the Manchester office through exceptional client service, business development and building and maintaining relationships with key contacts in the Manchester area. Previous involvement in business development initiatives would be welcome.
• No following required but an established Manchester network would be advantageous.
• A strong work ethic and reliable billing record.

Why Join Quastels?

At Quastels, you'll work alongside experienced and technically excellent lawyers on high-quality matters in an entrepreneurial environment that genuinely encourages and supports progression, collaboration and business development. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in growing a new team and office location, supported by experienced entrepreneurial lawyers across the firm. The role combines existing client work with the opportunity to help shape the new Manchester office as it develops.

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional client service whilst providing our lawyers with the autonomy, support and opportunities to build successful long-term careers.

Applications

Please send your CV (to include your degree and professional qualification levels), with a short note confirming your current salary/salary expectations and notice period.