Commercial Real Estate Finance - Structurer, VP

## Unlocking Real Estate Finance Expertise: A Deep Dive into a Premier EMEA Transaction Role For ambitious legal professionals seeking to elevate their careers in the dynamic world of commercial real estate finance, this opportunity within the EMEA Commercial Real Estate Finance business team presents a compelling proposition. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in complex deal environments and possess a keen understanding of legal structuring, contract negotiation, and transaction execution.

At its core, this position focuses on the intricate legal and structural aspects of real estate debt transactions across the EMEA region. You will be an integral part of the business team, working closely with senior specialists and contributing directly to the successful closing and syndication of significant deals.

This role offers a rich landscape for professional growth and development, providing several key advantages for candidates:

• Exceptional Deal Exposure: The "Development Value" section highlights a truly impressive breadth of experience. You'll gain hands-on involvement in a wide array of complex transaction types, including:
  • Balance sheet loans and syndicated loans
  • Senior/mezzanine structures
  • Intercreditor arrangements
  • Warehouse financing and master repo facilities
  • Loan-on-loan facilities
  • Securitization, including risk retention
  • Take-private and corporate special situations
  This diverse exposure is invaluable for building a robust and versatile skillset in real estate finance.
• High-Profile Industry Engagement: You will have direct interaction with strategic global players in the real estate finance industry and collaborate with leading European law firms. This elevates your professional network and provides insights into market best practices.
• Direct Client Interaction: The opportunity to engage directly with Citi's clients and their counterparties is a significant benefit. This will hone your negotiation skills, build your client-facing confidence, and deepen your commercial acumen.
• In-Business Seat Advantage: Reporting within the Business team, rather than solely within Internal Legal, means you will be at the forefront of transaction strategy and execution. This provides a more integrated and commercially-focused perspective.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Direct reporting to a senior Transaction Execution specialist ensures you will receive valuable guidance and support in developing your transaction management capabilities.

While the advantages are substantial, it's important for candidates to carefully consider the following to ensure this role aligns with their career aspirations:

• Specific Legal Expertise Required: The "Knowledge/Experience" section clearly outlines the need for mid-level associate experience (approximately 3-4 PQE) from a banking or capital markets team of a silver/magic circle law firm. Crucially, prior lender-side experience on commercial real estate finance transactions is a prerequisite.
• Fit and Proper Assessment: Be aware that this is a "Certified Role" subject to the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. This entails a thorough assessment of your fitness and propriety, covering honesty, integrity, reputation, financial soundness, competence, and capability. This process will involve extensive interviews, background checks, and reference verifications. Understanding and preparing for this rigorous assessment is vital.
• Skillset Alignment: Beyond legal qualifications, strong computing and numeracy skills are essential, as are excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. The capacity to remain calm, professional, and diplomatic in stressful situations is also a critical requirement.
• Proactive Engagement: While the role involves assisting in various tasks, candidates who demonstrate a self-motivated approach and a strong work ethic will undoubtedly thrive. The ability to proactively identify needs and contribute beyond immediate task assignments will be highly valued.
• Adaptability and Speed: The mention of meeting short deadlines and managing stressful situations underscores the fast-paced nature of this environment. Candidates must be comfortable with rapid turnaround times and the ability to multi-task effectively.

In summary, this role offers an exceptional platform for a legally trained professional to transition into a commercially driven transaction execution function within real estate finance. By leveraging your existing expertise and embracing the development opportunities, you can significantly advance your career and become a key player in shaping significant real estate debt transactions across EMEA.