Senior Knowledge Lawyer – Real Estate (Contract)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Knowledge Lawyer to join a leading UK law firm's Real Estate practice. This role is available on a contract basis and can be based in either Leeds or London.

Reporting to the Real Estate team, you will play a key part in shaping the practice's knowledge and innovation strategy. The primary focus will be supporting the development of a new tech-enabled portfolio management offering, including a major project to automate a range of Real Estate documents and processes at scale. You will work closely with partners, lawyers, legal technologists, and business services teams to create innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, consistency, and client experience. Alongside this strategic project, you will support the broader knowledge agenda—maintaining high-quality precedents, know-how, training, and market insights—and contribute to thought leadership and business development initiatives.

Key responsibilities include: leading the document automation project; developing and maintaining Real Estate precedents and training materials; identifying opportunities to leverage legal technology, automation, and AI; supporting the team's publications and client-facing content; delivering training to lawyers and new joiners; and assisting with client-focused initiatives and strategic discussions on the future of the practice.

The ideal candidate will have substantial UK Real Estate experience, with at least 8 years PQE as a Senior Associate, Counsel, or Knowledge Lawyer. You will have a genuine interest in legal technology and innovation, strong drafting and analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. Proven experience in project management, delivering training, and working collaboratively across teams is essential. A commercial mindset and enthusiasm for improving the delivery of legal services are key.

• Substantial UK Real Estate law experience, with at least 8 years PQE as a Senior Associate, Counsel, or Knowledge Lawyer
• Strong technical expertise in Real Estate matters, with the ability to support lawyers on complex legal and practice issues
• Genuine interest in knowledge management, legal technology, and the application of innovation (including AI) to legal service delivery
• Experience developing precedents, know-how materials, guidance notes, and training programmes
• Understanding of document automation, AI tools, and process improvement initiatives
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to distil complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance
• Strong project management and organisational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders
• Confidence in presenting and delivering training to internal and external audiences
• Commercial and client-focused mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities for practice growth and innovation
• Collaborative, inclusive, team-oriented approach, with the ability to build strong relationships and mentor colleagues
• Good practical understanding of IT systems and knowledge management tools