Legal Director / Partner - Construction - Bristol - 10+ PQE

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive senior level salary and benefits package

Clear route for advancement

Strong mentoring and pastoral support

Opportunities for business development

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a highly experienced Legal Director or Partner in Construction for their Bristol office. This role involves shaping a full-service construction offering, advising on diverse construction contracts, and managing disputes. Suitable candidates will have over 10 years PQE and a proven track record in generating work and managing high-value matters. The role supports hybrid working and offers a competitive salary package.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate expertise across a broad range of construction matters.
• Proven ability to generate work and grow a client base.
• Experience leading or developing a construction team.

Responsibilities

• Advising on major standard form construction contracts.
• Drafting and negotiating bespoke construction contracts.
• Acting for borrowers and lenders on construction finance.
• Handling construction disputes including litigation and arbitration.
• Providing project support to other departments.
• Leading and mentoring construction lawyers.
• Managing client relationships and supporting business development.

Skills

Strong technical drafting

Research skills

Communication skills

Commercial approach

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

10+ years' PQE at a law firm

Job description

Legal Director / Partner – Construction – Bristol – 10+ PQE

Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working Available)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Salary: £95,000 to £130,000 (depending on experience and level)

A leading UK law firm is seeking a highly experienced Construction Lawyer (Legal Director or Partner level) to join its expanding Bristol office. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in establishing and growing a full service Construction offering in the Southwest, supported by a nationally recognised team with a strong reputation across both contentious and non contentious work.

The Role

The firm is looking for a senior construction specialist with a blended skill set across contentious and non contentious matters (although specialists in either area will also be considered). You will have the autonomy to shape and grow the Bristol construction practice while working closely with an established national team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on major standard form construction contracts (JCT, NEC, ICE, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS)
• Drafting and negotiating bespoke construction contracts
• Acting for borrowers and lenders on construction aspects of real estate finance transactions
• Handling construction disputes including litigation, arbitration, adjudication and ADR
• Providing project support to other departments (Real Estate, Corporate, etc.)
• Leading and mentoring construction lawyers as the Bristol team grows
• Managing and developing client relationshipsSupporting business development, networking and tender activity
• Contributing to thought leadership through articles and sector commentary

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited a senior construction specialist who can demonstrate:

• 10+ years' PQE gained at a strong regional, national or City firm
• Expertise across a broad range of construction matters (contentious and/or non contentious)
• Strong technical drafting, research and communication skills
• A commercial, pragmatic approach to complex construction issues
• Proven ability to generate work and grow a client baseExperience leading or developing a construction team
• Entrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm for building a Bristol based practice
• Confidence advising clients directly and managing high value matters
• Experience across specialist sectors such as:

• Energy (renewables, nuclear)
• Public sector and local authorities
• Regeneration and infrastructure
• Social housing
• Education and healthcare
• Housebuilding
• Supply chain (contractors and subcontractors)

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing regional practice with the full support of a nationally recognised construction team.

About the Firm

• UK Top 50 law firm with 700+ legal professionals
• Strong growth strategy and expanding Southwest presence
• Collegiate culture with clear progression pathways
• Ranked among the best law firms to work for
• Strong commitment to ESG, diversity and community engagement

Benefits

• Competitive senior level salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working
• Clear route for advancement
• Strong mentoring and pastoral support
• Opportunities for business development and leadership
• Supportive, collaborative national team environment

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Olivia Reed

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*