Construction Solicitor (Non Contentious)

ENL Legal Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ENL Legal Recruitment represents a leading international law firm seeking a Principal Associate in non-contentious construction. Based in Birmingham or London, you will handle high-value projects across UK and international matters, drafting and negotiating contracts and supervising junior lawyers.

You will join a team renowned for its market strength, advising developers, contractors and investors on complex development and infrastructure matters with significant client exposure.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of PQE in non-contentious construction.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Capable of managing matters independently.
• Experience supervising junior fee earners is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate construction contracts (JCT, NEC, MF/1, FIDIC).
• Advise on development and funding agreements and leases.
• Work on major development, regeneration and infrastructure projects.
• Advise clients across real estate, energy, logistics, healthcare, housing and life sciences.
• Manage significant matters with autonomy and supervise junior fee earners.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to practice growth.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation skills

Autonomous handling

Client relationship management

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Tools

JCT/NEC/FIDIC contracts

Job description

Principal Associate – Non-Contentious Construction | Birmingham or London | 6+ PQE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Associate to join a leading international law firm’s highly regarded Non-Contentious Construction team. With an impressive portfolio of high-value development, engineering and infrastructure projects, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction lawyer looking to take the next step in their career.

The team is recognised for its strength in the market, advising a broad client base of developers, contractors, institutional investors, property companies and public sector organisations on complex and high-profile projects across the UK and internationally.

The Role

You will handle a varied and challenging caseload of non-contentious construction matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts, including JCT, NEC, MF/1 and FIDIC.
• Advising on development agreements, funding agreements and agreements for lease.
• Working on major development projects, regeneration schemes and infrastructure transactions.
• Advising clients across sectors including real estate, energy, logistics, healthcare, housing and life sciences.
• Managing significant matters with a high degree of autonomy.
• Supervising and supporting junior fee earners.
• Developing client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

You will work alongside leading practitioners on some of the market’s most significant projects, with exposure to an impressive client base and high-quality instructions.

The Candidate

Applications are welcomed from Construction Solicitors with a minimum of 6 years’ PQE and a strong background in non-contentious construction work.

You will have excellent technical ability, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the confidence to manage complex matters independently. A commercially minded approach, sound judgement and the ability to build lasting client relationships are essential.

Experience supervising junior lawyers and contributing to business development will also be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's largest and most established construction practices, offering high-profile work, a collaborative culture and excellent opportunities for career development.

The team prides itself on its supportive environment and genuine team spirit, combining technical excellence with pragmatic, commercially focused advice.

If you are a Non-Contentious Construction Solicitor considering your next move, this is an opportunity to explore.