Associate - Construction, Engineering and Projects (2-4 PQE)

Due to strong client work demand, we are recruiting an experienced Associate into our London based Construction, Engineering & Projects team. The team is a highly reputable full-service construction law team providing transactional advice through to dispute avoidance and dispute resolution advice relating to large-scale construction and engineering projects in both the UK and internationally.

The team are well-regarded when it comes to acting for clients across a wide range of business sectors with a particular emphasis on real estate developers, housebuilders, property investment companies, contractors, sub-contractors and major engineering consultancies. The team also acts for the firm’s private clients on high value residential construction projects.

Our transaction advice includes advising on the procurement of construction projects, all forms of domestic and international construction contracts, and ancillary documentation such as consultant appointments, trade contracts, collateral warranties, parent company guarantees and performance bonds.

Core dispute avoidance and dispute resolution services include advising on all forms of dispute resolution (adjudication / arbitration / litigation / mediation / expert determination) and giving strategic advice to clients to ensure that their dispute is resolved as cost effectively as possible whilst maintaining the best possible outcome.

This is a great opportunity, with an emphasis on non-contentious construction law work, although we welcome flexibility to work across a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious construction work streams. The new joiner can be expected to have a significant level of responsibility and client contact, whilst working in a supportive and collaborative team.

Role and Responsibilities

• Advising government bodies, sponsors, funders, developers, employers, operators, constructors, sub-contractors and professional teams in relation to dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms, together with project procurement techniques (including facilities management).
• Working closely with existing clients to maintain and develop relationships, acting as a trusted advisor capable of providing timely and quality advice whilst managing expectations.
• Working collaboratively as a cohesive team, to execute large-scale, high-value, client matters to the highest standard.
• Assisting with drafting, negotiating and advising on construction contracts, consultant appointments, collateral warranties, financial securities (including bonds and guarantees), letters of intent and reliance letters.
• Acting for a wide range of national and international clients on complex and high value construction disputes, including UK adjudications, arbitrations and TCC litigation.
• Undertaking some dispute advisory work including ADR (for example, mediation).
• Dealing with a wide range of matters, such as final account and delay claims, quality of build claims, construction insolvency, bond claims, ACM cladding, other fire safety defects claims, professional indemnity and other insurance-related claims.
• Contributing to group knowledge, marketing and know-how initiatives.
• Complying with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles

Person Specification

• Be an England & Wales qualified solicitor or equivalent with 2-4 PQE, able to integrate into teams effectively
• Experience of non-contentious construction work, with interest, and some experience in contentious construction work, such as UK adjudications and/or TCC litigation and/or arbitration and other forms of dispute avoidance / resolution (mediation, expert determination etc.)
• Confidence in both verbal and written communication with a diverse range of clients and technical experts
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills and stakeholder management
• Have the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels, being able to fit in with the Firm’s culture and the existing team
• Able to work effectively, both autonomously and as part of a team as needed
• Have a flexible approach and willing to go the extra mile

Competencies