Main information
* PQE:
8 years +
- Term type:
Permanent
- Team:
Investment Development
- Location:
Manchester
The role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Associate (8 years+ PQE upwards) to join our Real Estate team in Manchester.
Our development team provides expert advice to developers across the UK on a wide range of projects, including industrial, office, logistics, warehousing, retail, leisure, hospitality, healthcare, and residential care. We support every stage of the development lifecycle from conditional land acquisition and securing pre-lets, to forward funding, construction contracting, and disposal of completed investments.
With specialists in planning, infrastructure, environmental law, real estate tax, agricultural issues, and construction, we deliver comprehensive guidance to help clients manage risk and navigate complex development challenges.
As a people centric firm, we invest heavily in developing our people by providing the structure, a supportive work culture in an innovative and flexible environment and you will be given every opportunity to develop your career here for the future.
What do we need from you?
We're looking for motivated, driven commercial real estate lawyers with deep expertise in advising on complex property developments across the UK, spanning sectors such as industrial, office, logistics, warehousing, retail, leisure, hospitality, healthcare, and senior living.
You will have a strong understanding of the full development lifecycle from conditional land acquisition and securing pre-let agreements with occupiers, through to structuring forward funding arrangements, negotiating construction contracts, and managing the disposal of completed investments. A solid foundation in real estate law, planning regulations, and development finance is essential, alongside the ability to navigate multidisciplinary challenges involving legal, commercial, and technical stakeholders. The role demands excellent communication and negotiation skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to deliver strategic advice that supports clients in achieving commercially sound and legally robust outcomes.
The team
Our Real Estate Division is central pillar of the firms current strategy and one of the largest and most respected in the UK, operating nationally across 13 locations with over 460 professionals, and 50+ Partners. The Division is structured into five specialist teams: Construction, Core Real Estate, Planning, Property Litigation, and Swiitch, enabling us to deliver comprehensive and sector-leading advice across the full real estate lifecycle.
We advise many of the UK's leading real estate businesses, including developers, investors, funders, retail and leisure occupiers, social housing providers, major corporates, and public sector bodies. Our commercial offering is built on deep sector knowledge, technical excellence, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.
The real estate group has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by our reputation for high-quality legal advice and a collaborative, client-focused approach. Joining our Manchester team offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking group that is shaping the future of real estate in the UK.
To find out more about the team, please click here.
The Firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
Equal opportunities
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
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