Construction Lawyer - Contentious (In-house)

Executive Network Legal Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected housing association is seeking a Special Projects General Counsel with expertise in contentious construction law and latent defect claims. This pivotal role involves overseeing legal matters, advising on contracts, and providing strategic legal support in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ PQE in contentious construction law.
• Experience with latent defect claims and commercial disputes.
• Knowledge of JCT & NEC construction contracts.

Responsibilities

• Manage latent defect claims and litigation files.
• Draft legal advice and contracts for stakeholders.
• Advise on construction law aspects and procurement.

Skills

Litigation

Construction Law

Contract Negotiation

Legal Drafting

Communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

JOB TITLE: Special Projects General Counsel - Latent Defects Claims
PQE REQUIRED: 3+
LOCATION: London
SALARY: £60,112 + bonus

THE ROLE: Our client, a respected housing association are recruiting for an experienced Contentious Construction Lawyer. This is a pivotal position, offering the opportunity to take ownership of complex legal matters involving latent defects and contentious construction law, while also contributing strategic legal support on procurement and contract matters.

This role is ideal for a solicitor with strong litigation experience in the construction field and a solid understanding of the property sector. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide high-quality legal advice, draft complex contractual documentation, and support wider legal initiatives within the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the day-to-day handling of latent defect claims and related litigation files.
• Draft clear, practical legal advice for internal stakeholders across the business.
• Provide expert advice on all aspects of construction law, including payments, delays, defects, procurement issues, and insurance matters.
• Assist in the preparation of adjudication and arbitration submissions.
• Oversee legal proceedings in the Technology & Construction Court (TCC).
• Draft, review, and amend a broad range of legal agreements including:
• NEC and JCT construction contracts
• Maintain and update the organisation’s precedent library of construction contracts and sector-specific clauses.
• Advise internal teams on procurement strategies and contract structures, particularly in relation to complex construction projects.
• Deliver training and legal guidance to non-legal departments to support best practices in construction-related activities.
• Support resolution of high-value or complex commercial disputes, including pre-litigation strategy and assessment.

THE CANDIDATE:

• A qualified solicitor with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE in contentious construction law.
• Demonstrated experience in latent defect claims and commercial dispute resolution.
• Sound knowledge of construction contract law, including JCT, NEC, and public sector procurement frameworks.
• Through understanding of the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996, the Scheme for Construction Contracts (England & Wales) Regulations 1998 and the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with experience working on complex legal agreements.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Experience in the housing, local authority, or public sector construction environment is desirable

This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, values-driven environment.