Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

BCLP's real estate practice is a standout on both sides of the Atlantic, handling complex development, financing, and fund transactions for institutional investors and private equity firms. The firm has strong corporate, M&A, litigation, financial services, and data privacy practices, with particular depth in the middle market. BCLP is also an innovation leader, partnering with technology companies to deploy generative AI tools across its real estate practice, a signal of its commitment to modernizing legal service delivery.

The culture at BCLP is collaborative and internationally minded, with genuine cross-border staffing and mobility between U.S. and U.K. offices. The firm uses a free-market system, and summer associates can experience transatlantic deal work that most firms simply cannot offer. The St. Louis headquarters provides a collegial, lower-cost-of-living alternative to coastal markets.

For recruiting, express genuine interest in cross-border work and the firm's transatlantic model. BCLP values candidates who see the advantage of a firm strategically invested in the U.S.-U.K. corridor rather than trying to be everywhere. Real estate interest and international curiosity are strong signals.