Real Estate Finance Knowledge Lawyer

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a leading international law firm known for its excellence, professionalism, and commitment to talent. Our London office plays a key role in the firm's global practice, and we are seeking a diligent and proactive HR Technology Assistant to support our growing HR operations.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented knowledge lawyer to support the Director of Knowledge in our ambitious program to deliver exceptional legal services to our clients while enhancing efficiency across our practice. You will work closely with all members of the REF team, including our dedicated legal technology team (REFTech), which collaborates with the Director of Knowledge to innovate, source, and implement legal technology solutions for REF. Additionally, you will serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders from various functions.

This position is ideal for a UK-qualified lawyer with experience in real estate finance, a creative flair, and a strong interest in knowledge management, professional development, and practice innovation. You should possess a collaborative and flexible approach, outstanding attention to detail, and excellent problem-solving skills. 

1. Knowledge Management
   • Collect, review, prepare and disseminate internal and external materials relating to REF legal, commercial, client and regulatory updates.
   • Assist with developing, designing, and maintaining know-how, templates, checklists and practice management materials.
   • Ensure that updates to materials are completed promptly and communicated clearly.
   • Assist with document drafting, legal knowledge requests, business development and practice management.
   • Support knowledge capture and post-deal analysis for continuous improvement.
   • Collaborate on computerized template preparation, requirements gathering and continuous improvement.
   • Oversee REF data extraction initiatives from a legal knowledge perspective.
2. Training and Development
   • Gather team learning and development (L&D) requirements.
   • Research, develop and implement L&D and induction solutions, collaborating with the STB L&D team as needed.
   • Help design, support and deliver targeted training programmes for REF, preparing manuals, slides and other materials with an innovative and imaginative approach.
   • Support fee earners in respect of ad hoc queries and their ongoing matters, location and application of relevant know how and specific legal queries.
   • Supervise paralegals as required.
3. Practice Management and Innovation
   • Assist the Director of Knowledge with the smooth running and development of the knowledge function.
   • Collaborate with REFTech team on legal technology initiatives.
   • Help REFTech to troubleshoot legal technology issues from a knowledge perspective.
   • Help identify business requirements for deal data with REFTech.
   • Help identify practice management improvements by analyzing feedback and research.

• UK qualified solicitor with a minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience in REF.
• Strong understanding of REF sponsor-side deal dynamics and commercial drivers.
• Demonstrable interest in legal knowledge, practice management and innovation.
• Flexible, proactive and collaborative mindset with a solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strong legal research, attention to detail and writing skills.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

Hybrid: Monday-Thursday in office, ability to WFH on Fridays

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity or circumstance. We recognise that in order to be successful we need to attract, retain and develop diverse talent at all levels. This means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration and empowers everyone at Simpson Thacher to bring their whole selves to work. If there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the recruitment or interview process, please let us know by emailing List-LondonRecruitment@lists.stblaw.com.