From commercial developments to high-value real estate investments, real estate law is a vibrant and diverse field that supports countless transactions. The Real Estate team serves a wide range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, corporate occupiers, developers, and institutional investors. The work includes aspects from development projects to real estate finance, leasing agreements, and acquisitions and disposals.
Quinton Nyirenda gives insight into his experience as a trainee solicitor in our Real Estate team.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
The dynamic nature of the sector means that no two days are ever the same, and this is reflected in the day-to-day activities that I partake in as a trainee. I have often found that this has given me exposure to both the transactional and advisory aspects of real estate law. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Legal research – whether it's investigating specific points of land law, reviewing planning restrictions or understanding legislative changes, research plays a crucial role in supporting clients effectively.
- Drafting and reviewing documents – preparing leases, licences, contracts, and reports on title, as well as reviewing due diligence materials for property transactions.
- Data room management – being responsible for both the setting up and management of data rooms for various transactions; continually reviewing and ensuring that they have been populated with the necessary documents and information.
- Liaising with clients and third parties – regularly communicating with clients and other solicitors is a key part of ensuring transactions progress smoothly.
- Managing completion checklists – tracking key deadlines and ensuring all necessary steps are taken for the successful completion of a transaction.
- Attending client meetings and negotiations – observing and contributing to discussions around transactions, which provides valuable commercial awareness and legal insight.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience has been the hands-on involvement in real estate deals. Seeing a transaction move from initial instructions to completion is incredibly rewarding and trainees are given ample responsibility, which provides for a real sense of contribution.
What is your favourite thing about being a trainee in real estate?
One of the biggest highlights of working in real estate has been the tangible nature of the work as real estate deals have a direct, visible outcome. It's an extremely gratifying feeling to be able to walk past a real estate asset with the knowledge that you had a part to play in its success - whether it’s a newly developed office building, a retail lease agreement, or an investment acquisition.
Additionally, the variety of clients means that no two transactions are the same. Working with property developers, investment funds, and corporate occupiers at both a domestic and international level has given me much insight into the sector, which has helped develop my legal and commercial skills.
I’ve also enjoyed the collaborative nature of real estate law. Transactions often require input from multiple legal disciplines, and I have worked on many matters alongside the Planning, Construction, and Real Estate Finance teams. This has given me the opportunity to work alongside colleagues across the firm and gain exposure to different areas of law.
What are the biggest challenges so far?
While the seat has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the steepest learning curves has been getting to grips with the technical aspects of property law, from understanding complex title structures to demystifying the nuanced relationship between legal drafting and commerciality. Given the depth of legal principles involved, it’s been crucial to stay proactive in learning and ask the right questions. However, this is something that trainees are well-supported on by virtue of the vast number of training sessions that cover a breadth of commercial property matters.
Another challenge has been managing the fast-paced nature of real estate transactions. Deals often have tight deadlines, and balancing multiple matters at once requires strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Staying on top of various tasks, while ensuring accuracy in drafting and due diligence, has been an important skill to develop.
Despite these challenges, the learning experience has been invaluable. The exposure to high-quality work, the supportive team, and the variety of transactions has all made this seat an engaging and insightful kick-off to my training contract
Any final thoughts?
My time as a trainee in the Real Estate team has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The combination of technical legal work, client interaction, and exposure to tangible transactions has provided a strong foundation for my legal career. While there have been challenges along the way, each one has contributed to my growth as a future solicitor.
For any aspiring trainees considering a seat in real estate, I’d highly recommend it - not only for the legal and commercial skills you’ll gain but also for the opportunity to work on projects that have a real-world impact.
And now onto my next seat in employment, pensions and mobility to experience a different area of law.
