Construction & Engineering Lawyer

LHH; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national law firm in Leeds is seeking a Construction & Engineering Lawyer at Associate, Senior Associate, or Principal Associate level. This opportunity involves managing non-contentious construction projects, drafting and negotiating complex documentation, and building strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction law, strong drafting skills, and a collaborative attitude. The role supports career progression with opportunities to take on senior responsibilities and mentor junior colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience in non-contentious construction or engineering work, or interest in specialization.
• Strong knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts preferred.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive mindset and willingness to develop.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate a wide range of construction and engineering documents.
• Support clients across the full project lifecycle.
• Manage own files while collaborating with teams.
• Build relationships with clients across multiple sectors.
• Contribute to bids, tenders, and business development initiatives.

Skills

Experience in non-contentious construction or engineering work

Strong knowledge of standard form contracts

Excellent drafting skills

Effective communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Deadline management

Job description

Construction & Engineering Lawyer (Associate – Principal Associate)

Leeds | National Firm | Non‑Contentious Focus (with optional contentious exposure)

I’m working with a leading national law firm in Leeds who are looking to expand their Construction & Engineering team with a hire at Associate, Senior Associate, or Principal Associate level.

Whether you’re looking to step up in responsibility, work on more complex matters, diversify your client base, or join a practice with a strong national footprint, this could your next step.

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to a broad and varied pipeline of non‑contentious construction and engineering work, with optional involvement in contentious matters if desired. You will work across a range of sectors, including:

• Residential & Commercial Development
• Energy & Renewables (solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage)
• Public Sector Projects (local government, central government, health, education)
• Manufacturing, Industrial & Process Engineering

You will gain hands‑on experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex construction documentation and will have the opportunity to build client relationships from day one.

Progression is fully supported, with clear routes into senior roles and opportunities to lead on projects, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to the team’s broader growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

Depending on your level of experience, responsibilities may include:

Core Responsibilities

• Drafting, negotiating, and advising on a wide range of construction and engineering documents, including:
• NEC3/NEC4 and JCT suites
• Collateral warranties
• Framework and call‑off agreements
• EPC and design & build contracts
• Bespoke engineering/project documentation
• Supporting clients across the full project lifecycle - from planning and procurement to delivery and completion.
• Managing your own files while working collaboratively within a wider national or regional team.
• Building strong relationships with clients across multiple sectors.
• Attending and leading client meetings where appropriate.
• Contributing to bids, tenders, training, knowledge sharing, and business development initiatives.

What They’re Looking For

You don’t need to tick every box but the ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience in non‑contentious construction or engineering work (or wider commercial projects experience with an interest in specialising).
• Strong knowledge of standard form contracts (NEC and/or JCT preferred).
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset and willingness to develop.
• Confidence in managing deadlines and multiple workstreams.