Commercial Projects Solicitor - Tier 1 Firm

CapeClarke; Slough; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CapeClarke is actively recruiting an Associate for its London Projects practice. You will handle a broad range of complex projects, including government contracting matters, PPP/PFI transactions and long-term government agreements, working with Partners across infrastructure, projects and procurement.

The role suits a 3–5 PQE lawyer with strong drafting and negotiation skills, keen to develop in a sophisticated international environment and contribute to business growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' PQE in Projects, Government Contracting, Procurement or Public Law.
• Experience handling complex projects and/or commercial contracts.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Experience advising on government contracts, procurement or public sector matters.
• Good understanding of regulatory framework for government contracting and public sector decision‑making.
• Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023, Subsidy Control Act and relevant public law principles.
• Strong academics and demonstrable technical ability.
• Experience gained within a leading law firm, government legal department or comparable in‑house environment.
• Genuine interest in major projects and government contracting.
• Commercial and pragmatic approach to client advice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with lawyers across different practice areas and jurisdictions.
• Interest in contributing to business development and growth of the practice.

Responsibilities

• Involved in a broad range of complex projects and government contracting matters.
• Handle major infrastructure projects and PPP/PFI transactions.
• Work on long-term government contracts and government procurement matters.
• Draft and negotiate complex commercial and project agreements.
• Provide regulatory and advisory support; advise on UK and international projects.
• Advise public sector bodies, government departments, contractors, suppliers, lenders and financial institutions.
• Collaborate with the Infrastructure, Projects & Procurement team across jurisdictions.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Public law

Education

3–5 PQE (Projects or Government Contracts)

Job description

Associate – Projects | Commercial | London

3–5 PQE | Projects | Government Contracts | Procurement | Commercial

The opportunity

We are working with a highly regarded international law firm that is continuing to grow its London Projects practice and is looking to appoint an Associate at 3–5 PQE.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Projects, Government Contracting, Procurement or Public Law lawyer looking to develop their career within a sophisticated international practice.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced Partners and lawyers across the firm's Infrastructure, Projects and Procurement practice, with the opportunity to play an important role in the continued development of the firm's Projects & Government Contracting offering in London.

The role

You will be involved in a broad range of complex projects and government contracting matters, including:

• Major infrastructure projects.
• PPP/PFI transactions.
• Long-term government contracts.
• Government procurement and contracting.
• Complex commercial and project agreements.
• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Regulatory and advisory matters.
• UK and international projects.
• Advising public sector bodies, government departments, contractors, suppliers, lenders and financial institutions.
• Projects across sectors including transport, energy, utilities, defence, digital infrastructure and social infrastructure.

The role will provide exposure to both transactional and advisory work, making it particularly well suited to someone who enjoys a varied Projects practice rather than focusing exclusively on one area.

About the team

You will join an established international Infrastructure, Projects & Procurement practice, working alongside colleagues across multiple jurisdictions.

The London team advises a strong portfolio of public and private sector clients on major projects, government contracts and infrastructure matters.

The wider firm's expertise across technology, regulated industries and international markets provides a particularly strong platform for lawyers interested in developing a career at the intersection of government contracting, infrastructure, regulation and complex projects.

About you

We are keen to speak with lawyers who have:

• 3–5 years' PQE in Projects, Government Contracting, Procurement or Public Law.
• Experience handling complex projects and/or commercial contracts.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Experience advising on government contracts, procurement or public sector matters.
• A good understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding government contracting and public sector decision‑making.
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, Subsidy Control Act and relevant public law principles.
• Strong academics and demonstrable technical ability.
• Experience gained within a leading law firm, government legal department or comparable in-house environment.
• A genuine interest in major projects and government contracting.
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to client advice.
• The ability to work collaboratively with lawyers across different practice areas and jurisdictions.
• An interest in contributing to business development and the continued growth of the practice.

Particularly advantageous

Experience advising:

• Central or local government departments.
• Public sector contracting authorities.
• Government suppliers and contractors.
• Clients operating within energy, utilities, infrastructure, transport, defence or telecoms.
• Clients on procurement processes and public sector decision‑making.

Why consider the opportunity?

This is a particularly good opportunity for an ambitious 3–5 PQE Projects or Government Contracts lawyer who wants to join a growing practice and take on high-quality, complex work.

The role offers genuine scope to develop technically, gain exposure to major international projects and work closely with Partners on the continued expansion of the London practice.

You will also benefit from the firm's international platform, with opportunities to collaborate with teams and clients across different jurisdictions.