Real Estate Legal Counsel - VP

About this role

Job Purpose/Background:

The role will involve the provision of legal support in EMEA to the Real Estate business, which sits within Blackrock’s Equity Private Markets group.  The candidate will be supporting Real Estate’s equity funds, as well as separately managed client accounts.  The role will include advising on all aspects of real estate transactions carried out by these funds and accounts, as well as a broad range of drafting and advising in respect of the establishment, maintenance and distribution of a variety of investment vehicles, co-investment vehicles and various fund types in multiple jurisdictions. The role involves advising on the implementation of regulatory developments as these impact the Real Estate business and the wider BlackRock.  General commercial legal work and specific project work impacting the Real Estate business will also be involved. 

The individual will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and, once familiar with the BlackRock businesses’ structures, operating models and documentation, to work with minimum levels of supervision/review of work produced.  Whilst the “learning curve” will be steep, the candidate will be expected to take on a complete workload as soon as possible after joining and partner closely with the relevant businesses they support.  The ability to start as soon as possible would also be advantageous.

Business Unit Overview:

The role sits within the EMEA Legal & Compliance group, which provides legal and compliance support in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) region. The candidate will work in a team of lawyers in London supporting BlackRock’s Private Funds businesses, which forms part of a broader team of lawyers within the EMEA Products and Solutions Legal team. 

Key Responsibilities:

•              Acquire and develop knowledge of legal and regulatory issues concerning the establishment, maintenance and distribution of Real Estate funds and separately managed accounts within EMEA and their investment level activities;

•              Identify, address, report and manage key legal risk areas arising within the EMEA Real Estate business and their transactions and BlackRock more generally;

•              Provide proactive legal support to the EMEA Real Estate business regarding European product launches, sales and marketing initiatives and ongoing operations;

•              Support Legal’s oversight of compliance with the investment processes and operations of the Real Estate group including maintenance of offshore Jersey domiciled structures and Luxembourg domiciled structures;

•              Provide practical guidance and support the EMEA Real Estate business with acquisitions and sales at both asset and corporate level, including establishment of holding structures, joint ventures and co-investments and their on-going operation;

•              Provide advice on equity financing and debt financing and refinancing of real estate investment structures;

•              In conjunction with external counsel, contractual negotiation and documentation for the investment management, development management and property management activities of the Real Estate businesses;

•              Liaison with external legal counsel on transactional work and, where appropriate, on areas of law that impact the Real Estate business, including agreeing engagements and fee levels;

•              Working closely with, and coordinating with, other members of the EMEA, Asia and US Legal teams and managing internal know-how and other material for ease of access by colleagues and successors;

•              Develop and actively manage internal client relationships within EMEA Real Estate, other internal stakeholders and with external advisors;

•              Report to the boards of relevant fund and holding companies from time to time on specific projects and/or transactions requiring board approval.

•              Providing support to the Blackrock Fund Board Governance teams in relation to real estate matters for Blackrock’s offices across EMEA.

Knowledge/Experience:

•              Relevant post qualification experience gained either in-house or in medium/large private practice in real estate or investment management;

•              5 to 10+ years’ relevant post qualification experience;

•              Ideally technical expertise and experience in real estate investment management, real estate financing and funds would be an advantage.

•              Solicitor qualified in England and Wales or other jurisdictions – if foreign qualified solicitor, conversion to UK solicitor qualification is expected.

Competencies:

•              Persuasive and influential on a high-performing internal client base in the provision of legal advice;

•              Ability to actively manage client expectations;

•              Commercial outlook, motivated, personable and attention to detail;

•              Ability to clarify tasks and requirements, organise time and manage workload to ensure deadlines are met;

•              Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently;

•              Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the firm in verbal and written form;

•              Seeks to understand the businesses, products and processes which are supported;

•              Develops solutions to problems, checking where appropriate with senior lawyers;

•              Takes ownership of problems/requirements and ensures they are resolved to meet objectives;

•              Rejects shortcuts that could compromise quality of service and follows internal policies and procedures.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.