CRE Finance Lawyer

Rothesay is the UK’s largest pensions insurance specialist, purpose-built to protect pension schemes and their members’ pensions. With over £60 billion of assets under management, we secure the pensions of more than 930,000 people and pay out, on average, approximately £200 million in pension payments each month.

Rothesay is dedicated to providing excellence in customer service alongside prudent underwriting, a conservative investment strategy and the careful management of risk. We are trusted by the pension schemes of some of the UK’s best known companies to provide pension solutions, including Asda, British Airways, Cadbury, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Co-operative Bank, National Grid, Morrisons, the Post Office and telent.

At Rothesay, we are striving to transform our industry. We believe deeply in creating real security for the future and our leadership in finding new and better ways to do that is the key to our success. To do that, we need the very brightest original thinkers to bring creativity as well as rigour. Rothesay is a rewarding place to work, where quality people can thrive and prosper. We pride ourselves on the connections our people build, many of whom have been with us for over ten years.

Job title:           Real Estate Finance Lawyer  
Reports to:       Assistant General Counsel
Contract:          Permanent

What you will do

Rothesay’s investment philosophy is to decrease credit risk through obtaining collateral, credit protection or other structural security in the assets in which it invests thereby, in the event an asset defaults, increasing recovery and avoiding credit losses. This role will be to join the existing members of the assets legal team in providing high quality commercially focussed legal advice to the asset origination team in its pursuit and management of assets meeting this philosophy.

The primary focus of the role will be real estate finance but the role will also provide the opportunity to work on pure real estate investment projects, as well as a wide variety of asset financing transactions including general finance, structured finance, capital markets and derivatives in an intellectually challenging and engaging environment.  It will also provide an opportunity to get involved in regulatory advice/analysis. 
Key activities include:

• To assist with the execution of a wide variety of investments meeting Rothesay’s investment philosophy.
• To provide efficient, effective and high quality legal advice in a commercially focussed way to the assets team which will include advising on, reviewing and negotiating terms sheets, transaction documentation, real estate due diligence, non-disclosure agreements and dealing with general queries on existing and potential investments;
• To manage business as usual queries, projects and 'random queries' on existing assets with care and high standards of customer service (whilst tailoring advice to the commercial situation and materiality).
• Assist in the interpretation of the regulatory rules which apply to insurance companies and the assets in which they invest and assisting in ensuring Rothesay’s compliance with them.
• Co-ordinating and instructing external legal counsel in connection with all the above.

Skills & experience:

• PQE in Real Estate Finance gained from within private practice
• Real estate finance experience and a strong grasp of security concepts.
• Ability to adapt and use common sense to assist with legal work in other practice areas in which Rothesay invests such as banking/general finance, structured finance, projects etc. (no prior experience in these areas required)
• Demonstrable project and transaction management skills
• Proven commercial skills and a willingness to add value to an in-house environment

Competencies

• Technical Skills - Demonstrates strong technical skills required for the role, pays attention to detail, takes initiative to broaden their knowledge and demonstrates appropriate analytical skills
• Drive and Motivation – Be a self-starter; successfully handles multiple tasks, takes initiative to improve their own performance, works intensely towards extremely challenging goals and persists in the face of obstacles or setbacks
• Client and Business Focus - Effectively handles difficult requests, builds trusting, long-term relationships with clients and service providers, helps the client to identify/define needs and manages client/business expectations
• Teamwork – Demonstrate evidence of being a strong team player, collaborates with others within and across teams, encourages other team members to participate and contribute and acknowledges others' contributions
• Communication Skills - Communicates what is relevant and important in a clear and concise manner and shares information/new ideas with others
• Judgement and Problem solving - Thinks ahead, anticipates questions, plans for contingencies, finds alternative solutions and identifies clear objectives. Sees the big picture and effectively analyses complex issues
• Creativity/Innovation - Looks for new ways to improve current processes and develop creative solutions that are grounded in reality and have practical value
• Influencing Outcomes - Presents sound, persuasive rationale for ideas or opinions. Takes a position on issues and influences others' opinions and presents persuasive recommendations

Disclaimer

This position description is intended to describe the duties most frequently performed by an individual in this position. It is not intended to be a complete list of assigned duties, but to describe a position level.  The role shall be performed within a professional office environment. Rothesay has health and safety polices that are available for all workers upon request.  There are no specific health risks associated with the role.

Inclusion

Rothesay actively promotes diversity and inclusivity. We know that our success depends on our people and that by nurturing a culture that values difference, we create a stronger, more dynamic business. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.