Construction Lawyer

Criterion Hospitality Limited; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading asset management organization is seeking an experienced Construction Lawyer to support its legal needs in England. This role involves reviewing and negotiating JCT contracts, various legal documents, and providing legal advice on procurement strategies. The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with strong understanding of UK construction law and a collaborative approach. The position offers opportunities to work on high-profile developments.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on high-profile Central London developments

Collaborative and supportive in-house team

Clear path for professional growth

Qualifications

• 3–7 PQE preferred, but all strong candidates considered.
• Experience with JCT suite of contracts and construction appointments.
• Background in private practice or in-house preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate JCT building contracts and related documents.
• Provide legal advice on contract amendments and risk allocation.
• Support project managers and asset managers on live projects.

Skills

Legal advice on construction procurement strategies

Negotiating scaffolding licences

Stakeholder management

Understanding of UK construction law

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Construction Lawyer to support the legal and contractual needs of our development and asset management activities. A key focus of the role will involve reviewing, negotiating, and advising on JCT contracts, scaffolding licences, access agreements, and related project documentation.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate JCT building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees, and novation agreements.
• Review and negotiate scaffolding licences, oversailing / access licences, hoarding agreements, and temporary works permissions with adjoining owners and third parties.
• Provide legal advice on construction procurement strategies, contract amendments, and risk allocation.
• Support development managers, project managers, and asset managers on live projects from early design through to completion.
• Advise on CDM compliance, insurance provisions, payment mechanisms, extensions of time, LADs, and dispute avoidance.
• Coordinate with external counsel where necessary and manage relationships with consultants and contractors.
• Maintain accurate records, version control, and contract management procedures.
• Assist with the creation and continuous improvement of internal templates and legal processes.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (3–7 PQE preferred, but all strong candidates considered).
• Demonstrable experience with the JCT suite of contracts, construction appointments, and ancillary documentation.
• Strong experience negotiating scaffolding licences, oversailing / licence to access agreements, and related permissions (highly desirable).
• Background in private practice or in-house (real estate, development, or construction sector preferred).
• Strong understanding of UK construction law, standard forms, and construction risk.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially minded with a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work across high-profile Central London developments.
• A collaborative and supportive in-house team environment.
• Clear path for professional growth within a leading asset management organisation.