Construction Senior Solicitor 4-7 PQE

Vasto Legal Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

West End law firm in London is seeking a Senior Associate to join its non-contentious construction team. The role offers a senior lawyer the chance to lead high-value matters and shape the team’s growth.

You will manage a substantial construction caseload, draft and negotiate building contracts, and advise on development agreements, procurements, and property transactions. Mentoring junior lawyers and nurturing client relationships are integral to the role.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years’ PQE in UK private practice (real estate or construction).
• Substantial non-contentious construction experience from a real estate perspective.
• Experience with the main JCT forms and related contracts with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to supervise juniors and develop the team.

Responsibilities

• Run your own caseload of complex construction matters with a high degree of autonomy.
• Lead the drafting and negotiation of building contracts, consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and guarantees.
• Act as the construction lead on development agreements, funding arrangements, and property transactions.
• Advise clients at a strategic level on procurement routes and pre-contract arrangements.
• Supervise, delegate to and mentor junior lawyers and trainees.
• Build and maintain client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Non-contentious construction

Real estate background

Contract drafting

Leadership/mentoring

Client relationships

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Tools

JCT forms

Job description

Senior Associate, Non-Contentious Construction | 5 to 7 PQE | West End, London | Hybrid

We are working with a Legal 500 West End law firm to recruit a Senior Associate into its successful and growing non-contentious construction team. This is a permanent, full-time role offering a senior lawyer the chance to take a leading role on high-value matters and help shape the team’s continued growth.

The Firm

This firm is best known for its private wealth and real estate work, supported by strong corporate, commercial and disputes teams. It acts for individuals, families and businesses on complex matters, and has built a reputation for close client relationships and a genuinely open, friendly culture where wellbeing is taken seriously.

The Team

The construction team has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, acting for well-known clients across sectors including film and studios, sports, hotels and leisure, industrials and logistics, living and retail. Alongside its own client base of developers, contractors, consultants and funds, the team benefits from the firm’s private wealth and commercial real estate strengths, acting for ultra-high net worth individuals and large institutions.

The Role

This role is purely non-contentious. You will:

• Run your own caseload of complex construction matters with a high degree of autonomy
• Lead the drafting and negotiation of building contracts, consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and escrow agreements
• Act as the construction lead on development agreements, funding arrangements, agreements for lease and property transactions, working alongside commercial real estate partners
• Advise clients at a strategic level, including on procurement routes and pre-contract arrangements such as letters of intent and pre-construction agreements
• Supervise, delegate to and mentor junior lawyers and trainees
• Build and maintain client relationships and contribute to business development and the team’s profile
• Work closely with the construction disputes team to provide joined-up advice when issues arise on projects

About you

• 5 to 7 years’ PQE, ideally gained at a top-tier UK private practice real estate or construction firm
• Substantial non-contentious construction experience from a real estate perspective, rather than energy, projects or infrastructure
• Able to handle the full suite of construction documentation, including the main JCT forms, with minimal supervision
• Proven experience advising alongside real estate colleagues on purchases, disposals and lettings
• Experience supervising or supporting the development of junior team members
• Commercially minded, client-focused and confident leading negotiations, with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Tom Young at [e-mail].