Junior Legal Counsel (Real Estate)

Company Description

McDonalds has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonalds is one of the UKs largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.

Hybrid Working

This role is based in our East Finchley office working 3 days in the office and 2 days remotely

Job Description

What You’ll Be Doing:

We’re looking for a Junior Legal Counsel to join our in-house Real Estate Legal team and support the legal needs of our property portfolio across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to a Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll play a key role in delivering commercial legal advice across a broad range of real estate matters. From lease renewals to acquisitions, you’ll be involved in the legal work that underpins our growth and operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage lease renewals, reversionary leases, underlettings, disposals, and licences with minimal supervision
• Conduct title investigations for potential acquisition sites
• Provide day-to-day legal support to Asset Management and Estates teams
• Own and manage Estates queries via the Real Estate Shared Inbox
• Review deeds, conduct searches, and report on registered titles and lease provisions
• Support legal projects and policy development within the department
• Assist with new store acquisitions and lease renewals, including title reviews and property searches
• Liaise with external solicitors where required and identify when external input is needed

Qualifications

What You’ll Need:

• Qualified solicitor with strong academic credentials
• Up to 4 years’ post-qualification experience in commercial property law
• Transactional experience (e.g. licences for alterations, assignments, underlettings)
• Able to provide pragmatic, commercial legal advice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to different audiences
• High attention to detail and a solution-focused mindset
• Commercial awareness and sound business judgement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

What You’ll Get:

• Access to industry-leading training and career development opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued
• Competitive salary, plus a comprehensive benefits package including Bonus, Car and Location Allowance, Free parking, lunch and Gym access
• Hybrid working, offering a mix of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Additional Information

Building a Better McDonald's

At McDonald's, our vision is to be the UK's and Ireland's best-loved restaurant. Our secret sauce? It's our vibrant culture! It shapes everything we do, from how we treat each other to how we serve our customers, franchisees, and suppliers. Our culture attracts top talent and creates a positive, energizing workplace for everyone.

Our Values:

• Serve: Customers and people first
• Inclusion: Everyone's welcome
• Integrity: Doing the right thing
• Community: Being good neighbours
• Family: Growing together

People from All Walks of Life

People are the heart of McDonald's. We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive culture where everyone can be their authentic selves. This helps us serve our customers better and strengthens our community ties. We stand against inequality, injustice, and discrimination, using our influence to make a positive impact.

As a major employer, we’re committed to supporting our communities, developing skills, and inspiring aspirations. Whether with McDonald's or beyond, we're here to help people succeed in the world of work.

#LI-Hybrid

Job Location

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