Job Description
Senior Associate / Partner – Real Estate Disputes (London)
The Role
William James Recruitment is exclusively instructed by a specialist real estate law firm seeking a Senior Associate or Partner-level Real Estate Disputes lawyer to join its London-based practice during an important next phase of growth.
The firm advises landlords, developers, investors, lenders, managing agents and occupiers on high-value, business-critical property disputes. It has built a strong reputation for pragmatic, commercially focused advice, delivered by senior lawyers with deep sector expertise.
The practice operates outside the traditional City model, prioritising quality, integrity and long-term client relationships over volume or billable-hour pressure. Lawyers are trusted to take full ownership of matters, providing clear recommendations and solutions rather than overly technical advice.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, high-calibre disputes practice, with real scope to shape the direction of the team over the next 6–12 months.
The Work
You will advise on a broad range of real estate disputes, including:
* Landlord and tenant disputes, including forfeiture, dilapidations and lease disputes
* High-value commercial and residential property disputes
* Development-related disputes involving landlords, developers and investors
* Strategic advisory work alongside transactional teams
* Contentious matters requiring a strong understanding of commercial objectives
The team regularly acts on complex, high-value matters for international funds, institutional landlords and commercial occupiers.
The Candidate
* Senior Associate or Partner-level lawyer with strong experience in real estate disputes
* Technically excellent with a pragmatic, commercial approach to problem-solving
* Comfortable handling complex, high-value contentious property matters
* Collaborative and culturally aligned, with an interest in shaping a growing practice
* No requirement to bring a following – emphasis is on technical strength and cultural fit
* Entrepreneurial mindset and appetite to contribute to the firm’s next stage of development
Culture & Platform
* Specialist, senior-led model – advice delivered by experienced lawyers
* Collaborative, ego-free environment with minimal bureaucracy
* Team-based billing expectations rather than individual pressure
* High levels of autonomy and trust
* A practice focused on excellence, balance and long-term client relationships
Benefits & How to Apply
* Highly competitive remuneration
* Flexible working arrangements
* Senior-level autonomy and influence
* Opportunity to shape the future of the disputes practice
Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone.
Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)
Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665
Mobile: 0794 405 5476
Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment.com