Construction Associate

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the City of London is seeking a Junior Construction Associate (NQ – 3 PQE) to join its non-contentious construction team. You'll work on high-value projects and gain exposure to a variety of contracts, all while enjoying a hybrid working model. This role offers a structured career pathway from associate to senior associate, with opportunities for business development and collaboration with senior partners.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Structured progression

Mentoring from experienced partners

Qualifications

• 0–3 years’ PQE in construction law.
• Strong grounding in non-contentious construction.
• Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for business development.

Responsibilities

• Advise on procurement and contracting strategies.
• Negotiate and draft construction and development documentation.
• Advise on risks in live schemes.

Skills

Non-contentious construction

JCT contracts

NEC contracts

EPC contracts

Commercial awareness

Job description

Overview

Construction Associate (NQ – 3 PQE) | City of London | Top Legal 500 Firm

Are you a junior construction lawyer looking for the chance to work on high-value, complex matters at a top-ranked City practice?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a prestigious Top 50 firm with a clear career pathway from associate through to senior associate and, ultimately, partner.

The Firm

This Chambers-ranked full-service law firm is renowned for its expertise across private wealth, shipping, technology, property, life sciences, education, retail, sports & entertainment and international trade.

The team acts on high-profile and complex mandates, such as:

• Settling a £14.5m High Court case.
• Supporting the £16m redevelopment of a boutique hotel.
• Advising housing associations on £50m+ projects and large-scale university and office developments.

The firm is praised for its pragmatic, client-focused approach and ability to simplify complex transactions. It has a strong reputation for mentoring junior lawyers, offering early responsibility and hands-on exposure within a supportive, collaborative culture.

The Role

A standout opportunity for a junior Construction Associate (0–3 PQE) to join a forward-thinking, rapidly expanding non-contentious construction team.

You’ll work with prestigious UK and international clients, gaining responsibility across a broad range of projects.

Work will include:

• Advising on procurement and contracting strategies.
• Negotiating and drafting all types of construction and development documentation.
• Advising on risks in live schemes, including preventing project failures.
• Working with standard form contracts and appointments (JCT, NEC, EPC).

You’ll also have opportunities to support with business development and contribute to the firm’s growing market presence.

Experience in commercial and/or housing development is of interest but not essential.

Why This Role Stands Out:

• Hybrid working model – 50% of your time at home.
• Clear, structured progression with genuine promotion opportunities.
• Exposure to bespoke, complex agreements and large-scale due diligence exercises.
• Work alongside leading partners on housing, infrastructure and energy projects.
• Join a team recognised for practical, commercially focused solutions.

Requirements:

• 0–3 years’ PQE in construction law.
• Strong grounding in non-contentious construction, including JCT, NEC and EPC contracts.
• Commercial awareness, sector interest and enthusiasm for business development.
• A collaborative, team-focused mindset with flexibility to thrive in a hybrid working environment.
• Experience in commercial and/or housing development is desirable but not essential.

This is a career-shaping opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading law firms, advising on high-value non-contentious construction matters while building a clear pathway to senior associate and partner.