Senior Associate / Managing Associate - Drinks, Hospitality and Leisure

About the Freeths Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure (DHL) Team

Our specialist DHL team advises brewers, pub companies, restaurant and bar operators, hotel groups and leisure brands on the full spectrum of property‑led and operator‑specific matters. We are a national practice acting for household‑name operators across the UK, delivering rapid, commercially grounded advice that reflects how this sector really works.

Led by Leo Skinner (Partner & Head of DHL), the team’s core is real estate, complemented by close collaboration with colleagues in corporate, employment, tax, planning, IP & media and disputes. This integrated model enables us to support portfolio growth, developments and re‑gears, roll‑out programmes, estate optimisation and complex transactions at pace.

The national DHL group works as one team across our UK offices, drawing on specialist support in tax, TUPE and workforce issues, regulatory/licensing touchpoints, planning and construction, and brand/IP considerations relevant to hospitality operators.

About The Role

Owing to continued client demand, we are seeking candidates with 4 years+ PQE to join us and work with our national operator client base (pubs, bars, restaurants, late‑night venues, hotels and wider leisure), typically including:

• Freehold and leasehold site acquisitions and disposals, development and pre‑let arrangements, and portfolio re‑gears.

• Day‑to‑day estate management (L&T, licences, variations, easements and ancillary agreements).p

• Awareness of operator‑specific issues that sit alongside real estate, such as TUPE, TOGC, capital allowances and licensing/regulatory considerations (with support from specialists as needed).

The team work seamlessly across our offices, and you will be a good team player. We encourage all our lawyers from an early stage to network and develop their own client relationships and you will be actively supported in this and in progressing your career.

Become part of the team at Freeths.

View some of our recent highlights on our website here.

Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.