1. Play a key role in a market‑leading global real estate practice.
2. Drive precedent automation and innovation at the heart of the team.
About Our Client
Our client is home to one of the largest and most highly regarded real estate practices globally, with a strong and enduring market reputation across a wide range of sectors. Real estate is a core and growing part of the firm's business, playing a central role across multiple jurisdictions.The London‑based real estate team offers a full suite of services, advising on development, joint ventures, structured investments, acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant work, retail, real estate finance, planning and property litigation. The team works closely with colleagues across the UK and virtual platforms, enabling the delivery of integrated and cost‑effective solutions for clients.
Job Description
The RoleAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Professional Development Lawyer (PDL) to join the real estate practice, working at the heart of the team. The primary focus of the role is the maintenance, enhancement and automation of the precedent bank, ensuring the department remains at the forefront of legal service delivery.Working closely with the Managing PDL, the successful candidate will support a broad range of know‑how and innovation initiatives while maintaining close engagement with fee‑earners across the practice.This role offers a high level of responsibility, significant exposure across the breadth of the real estate practice, and regular interaction with lawyers at all levels.Key ResponsibilitiesThe role will involve:
3. Reviewing, updating, maintaining and automating the England and Wales real estate precedent bank
4. Drafting new precedents and practice notes to support their effective use
5. Working closely with fee‑earners to understand precedent requirements and respond to technical queries
6. Engaging with lawyers to gather market feedback and maintain a strong understanding of current market practice
7. Supporting and participating in innovation and legal technology initiatives, including document automation
8. Providing research support and technical input on legal developments
9. Assisting in the preparation of client briefings, legal updates and know‑how materials
10. Supporting the identification, development and delivery of internal and client‑facing training
11. Sourcing and sharing relevant legal and market knowledge, encouraging knowledge‑sharing across the team
The Successful Applicant
This role would suit an experienced England and Wales‑qualified real estate lawyer or PDL with a strong track record in knowledge development and client support.The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
12. Strong technical knowledge of the real estate sector and market practice
13. Excellent drafting skills, with experience creating and maintaining precedents
14. Experience of document automation, ideally using Contract Express
15. A practical understanding of the commercial implications of legal change
16. A proactive approach to problem‑solving for internal and external clients
17. Strong intellectual, analytical and research skills
18. Clear, confident communication and an approachable working style
19. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment
What's on Offer
20. A high‑profile PDL role within a globally recognised real estate practice
21. Significant responsibility across precedents, automation and know‑how
22. Close working relationships with fee‑earners across the full real estate spectrum
23. Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to innovation and legal technology
24. Strong support from an established knowledge function
25. A collaborative culture with real scope for professional development
26. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and a competitive benefits package