Construction Paralegal

CRA Consulting; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

CRA Consulting is recruiting for a Construction Paralegal in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The role offers exposure to high-value construction disputes within a busy team, supporting solicitors and drafting updates, with a focus on case management and regulatory matters.

Previous paralegal experience in litigation or construction is advantageous but not essential; a proactive, responsible candidate who is eager to learn and work across site inspections, resolutions, and client communications will

Qualifications

• Experience as a litigation or construction paralegal is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support solicitors and other team members on a wide range of tasks.
• Assist with case management and diary management, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with experts and assist with site inspections and investigations.
• Prepare client updates and progress reports on construction disputes.
• Assist with submissions for adjudication and arbitration and liaise with courts and tribunals.

Skills

Paralegal experience

Construction law interest

Job description

Role: Construction Paralegal
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary: £26,000
Contract: Full time, permanent, hybrid

Our client is an established UK law firm with a long-standing history and offices across London and regional centres in England.
The firm has experienced significant growth in recent years and has developed a strong presence across the Midlands and the North. It is recognised by leading legal directories for its specialist expertise across a range of practice areas, including construction, projects, real estate, litigation, housing, corporate, governance, banking and employment.
The firm advises a broad and diverse client base, including major corporate organisations and institutional clients. It is known for providing practical, commercially focused advice and for taking a proactive approach to achieving successful outcomes for its clients.
The firm also has a well-established reputation in the social housing sector, advising registered providers and major housing organisations on a wide range of legal matters.

Construction, Engineering and Procurement Team

The Construction, Engineering and Procurement team is a well-established and highly regarded contentious construction practice, advising clients on complex and high-value construction disputes.
The team provides pragmatic, straightforward and commercially focused advice across a broad range of contentious construction matters. Its work includes proceedings before the courts and tribunals, as well as adjudication, arbitration and expert determination.
The team acts extensively for registered providers of social housing, advising on contentious construction issues arising from the development, refurbishment, remediation and maintenance of substantial residential property portfolios.
These matters frequently involve complex contractual, technical and regulatory considerations and can include significant disputes concerning building defects, fire safety, remediation and construction liabilities.
The team also advises private-sector clients, including specialist contractors, construction professionals, developers and property investors.
The practice has particular experience in disputes concerning:

• Payment and final accounts;


• Extensions of time;


• Loss and expense;


• Construction defects;


• Contractual and warranty claims;


• Insurance issues;


• Insolvency;


• Building safety and fire safety;


• Remediation of residential buildings; and


• Sustainability, decarbonisation and net-zero requirements.

The team regularly advises clients on developments in building safety legislation and related regulatory requirements and has established a strong profile in this evolving area of construction law.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a hardworking and motivated individual with an interest in construction law to join a busy construction team in Leeds.
Previous experience working as a litigation or construction paralegal would be advantageous but is not essential. The successful candidate will be someone who is willing to work hard, take responsibility and support the wider team when required.
The role offers valuable exposure to complex construction disputes and the opportunity to develop practical legal experience. Previous individuals in similar positions have gone on to pursue further legal career opportunities, including training contracts and pupillage.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support solicitors and other members of the team and may be involved in a wide variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting with case management and fee-earning work, including monitoring key dates and ensuring court and adjudication deadlines are met;


• Maintaining diaries and following up on outstanding actions and documentation;


• Assisting with the instruction of technical experts and coordinating site inspections;


• Responding to and managing enquiries from clients, barristers, solicitors and other members of the team;


• Following up on documentation and information required to progress matters;


• Preparing client updates and progress reports;


• Assisting with the preparation of advice on construction disputes, including issues relating to payment, extensions of time, loss and expense, defects and insurance;


• Assisting with advice concerning building safety and fire safety legislation;


• Supporting clients with investigations undertaken by regulatory authorities and other relevant bodies;


• Assisting with advice relating to sustainability, decarbonisation and net-zero obligations;


• Assisting with the preparation of submissions and documentation for adjudication and arbitration proceedings; and


• Liaising with courts, tribunals and other relevant bodies as required.