Associate/Senior Associate - Construction - Reading - 3PQE

Eversheds; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm is seeking a qualified solicitor or barrister to join their Construction team in Reading. This role involves providing legal advice, drafting and negotiating construction contracts, and supervising paralegals. Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in construction law, with a strong knowledge of English construction law and contract drafting skills. The firm values diversity and offers flexible working arrangements, alongside competitive remuneration of approximately £48,069 per year.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Financial wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• 3+ years' post qualification experience (PQE) in construction law.
• Strong ability to draft and negotiate contracts.
• Knowledge of NEC and IChemE target cost contracts is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support based on client’s business objectives.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents tailored to client needs.
• Supervise and delegate work to paralegals and support staff.

Skills

English construction law

Drafting and negotiation of construction contracts

Construction contract disputes & dispute resolution

Ability to work alone with confidence

Sound judgment and decision-making skills

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

Overview

The Construction team currently consists of 2 lawyers. We have a vacancy due to additional major projects work coming into the team. This role will report to the Principal Lawyer within the Construction team. The team works 2-3 days in the office per week and the rest of the time remotely.

Responsibilities

• Providing clear and concise legal advice and support to the client, having regard to the client's business objectives, and delivering practical, creative and commercial solutions and value within budget and time constraints, whilst ensuring that risks are understood and mitigated.
• Taking instructions from the client and advising on the law and legal issues.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial/construction agreements and other legal documents tailored to the client's needs.
• Attending meetings and negotiations as legal adviser with opposing parties.
• Ensuring, as far as possible, that the client's governance processes are observed as regards matters with which the construction lawyer deals.
• Advising on variation and delay claims and assisting with the resolution of disputes concerning construction contracts.
• Monitoring the suitability of the client's contract precedents, processes and procedures and amending them and providing training as necessary.
• Managing a caseload as well as acting as a point of reference to assist with queries.
• Identifying ways to add value and improve internal efficiencies, including process improvements.
• Supervising and delegating work to paralegals and support staff as appropriate.
• Liaising with professionals and other operatives in both the client's business and externally.
• Keeping up to date with all relevant legal, legislative, regulatory and industry developments relevant to the legal specialism, informing and updating the team, and providing proactive updates to facilitate the client's operational activities.
• Designing and delivering legal training to the client's business and management teams.
• Undertaking a range of continuing professional development (CPD) activities ensuring efficient knowledge transfer across the legal team.
• Complying with all service level agreements and KPIs, including accurately recording time and meeting reporting obligations.
• Obtaining regular client feedback.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with 3+ years' post qualification experience (PQE) in construction law. We are keen to hear from candidates who are bright, keen and able to pick up new skills quickly, so even if you have only the minimum PQE (or equivalent experience), please do not let that put you off applying. Knowledge of the utility sector would be useful but is not essential.
• In-house experience useful (but not essential).
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of:
• English construction law;
• drafting and negotiation of construction contracts;
• familiarity with target cost contracts such as NEC (and IChemE);
• two-stage contracting (e.g. under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement or under a two-stage construction contract);
• framework agreements;
• advising employers and project managers on variation and delay claims; and
• settlement and variation agreements.
• A working knowledge and understanding of:
• construction contract disputes & dispute resolution;
• joint ventures;
• governance advice;
• the impact of CAR, PL and PII insurance on contract drafting; and
• bonds, guarantees and collateral warranties.
• An awareness and understanding of:
• public procurement;
• constraints on clients operating in a heavily regulated sector; and
• general aspects of securitisation.
• Knowledge or experience of the following is preferred, but not expected or required:
• NRSWA powers and cost sharing;
• Water Industry Act (WIA) works powers (or similar powers in other utility sectors);
• permitted development rights;
• HGCRA Adjudication;
• DCO (or equivalent) protective provisions;
• s.104 or s.51A WIA adoption agreements; and
• environmental permitting.
• Ability to work alone with confidence and self-discipline, taking ownership of tasks and able to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills.

What’s in it for you

• Eversheds Sutherland Reading £48,069 per year - estimated
• We are a global law firm with more than 5,000 people across 30+ countries, offering full-service capabilities, client focus and opportunity to grow.
• We provide benefits focused on development, performance, financial wellbeing and health, as well as flexible, agile and hybrid working.
• We support diversity and inclusion and provide a platform for career development, mentoring and international exposure.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, inclusive is a core business value. We foster diversity of thought and approaches, respect the individual, and support flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please speak with us.