Associate - Real Estate Finance

Overview 

Our UK Banking group delivers commercial advice on complex national and international banking & finance transactions. 

We cover a diverse range of markets and clients, the common features being the negotiation, structuring (or restructuring) and documentation of commercial loan transactions for lenders and borrowers. We advise on deals ranging in size from small bilateral debt facilities to syndicated credit facilities in excess of £1 billion. Our lawyers work as part of cross-practice, cross-border teams on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. 

We stand for quality, responsiveness and market knowledge and we are proud of our panel positions with many of the leading national and international financial institutions. 

We advise a diverse client base, including top-tier UK banks, leading international investment banks, insurance lenders, alternative lenders, debt funds, private wealth lenders and an extensive base of investors and developers.

Our team, recognised experts in navigating complex matters, delivers comprehensive solutions in a broad range of transactions including high-value investment and development deals involving real estate assets in the UK and overseas, senior and mezzanine financings, private credit, real estate restructuring and insolvency work and back leveraged transactions. We also work closely with our specialist financial markets regulatory lawyers to advise on the full range of legal issues involved in the selling of banking services in the international financial markets. 

This role will have a particular focus on Real Estate Finance. Our Real Estate Finance practice operates as an integrated sub-group within our broader Banking team, giving lawyers the opportunity to work closely with Banking colleagues across Bristol, London and internationally while developing specialist experience in real estate-backed lending transactions. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

We have an exciting opportunity, due to growth in the sub-group, for an Associate, NQ - 3 PQE, to join our market leading UK Banking team, based in our Bristol office, with a focus on Real Estate Finance. The successful candidate will work seamlessly with Banking colleagues in Bristol, London and internationally, as part of a one team approach. 

The successful candidate will specialise in and spend the majority of time on  Real Estate Finance, but will have the opportunity to gain some experience across the full spectrum of banking & finance work that we do, as part of our integrated Banking group.

• Advise on a broad range of real estate finance matters as part of the integrated Banking group, acting for lenders and borrowers on financing transactions involving UK and international real estate assets. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Banking, Real Estate, Tax, Corporate, Financial Markets and other specialist teams where transactions require cross-practice input. 

• Assist with drafting, reviewing and managing key finance documents, transaction timetables, conditions precedent processes and completion deliverables. 

• Build strong client relationships through responsive, commercial and practical advice. 

• Contribute to business development, know-how, training and marketing initiatives within the Real Estate Finance sub-group.

Candidates will have transactional or general banking experience, ideally gained from working within an international or leading regional firm. Exposure to real estate finance, secured lending or real estate-backed investment/development finance would be particularly helpful. 

Person specification 

• Excellent academics. 
• Applicants will ideally be newly qualified lawyers up to 3 years PQE, with experience gained at another international or leading regional firm. 
• Experience in banking and finance transactions is required, with a genuine interest in developing within Real Estate Finance as part of a broader Banking practice. 
• Strong client focus with a willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development. 
• Commercially driven. 
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team. 
• Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities on fast-paced transactions. 
• Ready to embrace technology, and particularly the application of AI to the REF business.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required. 

Here at Simmons & Simmons

 Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights:

• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Equal opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process.

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.

For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.

Recruitment Agencies

We prioritise direct sourcing and referrals, engaging with our preferred agency partners where support is required. Unsolicited CVs submitted without the prior agreement of the recruitment team will not be deemed a valid introduction. Please contact the recruitment team if you have any questions.