Real Estate Associate (1-3 PQE)

We are currently recruiting for an Associate to join our Real Estate Group in Dubai.

Department purpose

Real estate is the world’s largest asset class and our work for organisations active in the sector, whether they’re investors, developers, occupiers or lenders, gives us a deep understanding of the industry and the way it operates. We are at the heart of the global real estate sector offering cutting-edge and intelligent advice that complements the way our clients work.

Our client base reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our practice. We act for the leading private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, public and private companies, pension funds, investment banks and other financial institutions, wealthy private investors, hotel owners and operators, retailers, public sector bodies, developers and unit trusts from across the globe. As our clients’ business and investment strategies evolve our practice continues to adapt and grow, with increasing emphasis on transactions in the operational real estate space including senior living, PBSA, PRS, and the digital real estate sector, as well as across all the more traditional real estate asset classes. The Real Estate team is also at the forefront of innovating how legal services are delivered to our clients.

Role and responsibilities

To work in a small but busy team within our award winning global Real Estate group. The work will be diverse and challenging involving leading on high value investment acquisitions and disposals, structured as both asset and corporate vehicle purchases and sales, major landlord and tenant work acting for both investors and occupiers, development work, real estate joint ventures, and the real estate aspects of real estate finance transactions. The role will encompass working on cross-border deals, often working alongside real estate teams in other jurisdictions within our global Real Estate group.

Key requirements
Qualified lawyer – ideally between 1 and 3 years PQE, with experience of working on major real estate transactions, a keen interest in real estate as a business and investment product, and a desire to join a growing and dynamic team, determined to firmly establish itself as the premier ‘big ticket’ equity and cross-border real estate investment practice
Experience of working in teams leading (as opposed to providing support to corporate groups) on real estate transactions structured as corporate acquisitions and joint ventures would be an advantage
Experience in hospitality work would be an advantage but not a requirement
Arabic language would be an advantage but not a requirement
Intellectual curiosity and versatility
Diligent and proactive self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
Excellent client relationship skills
Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to problem-solve and deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility
We would welcome applications from candidates whose qualification background may originally have been general corporate/M&A/PE or funds, but who have had experience working on major real estate-backed transactions and wish to now pursue a career focused on the real estate sector. We would also welcome applications from candidates who have to date worked primarily on direct real estate transactions (including leasing and management work) but who are keen to broaden their skill set and experience to include working on more structured real estate transactions, including joint ventures and special purpose vehicle acquisitions.

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work,  helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you’re helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to  an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.