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