Non-Contentious Construction Associate Laywer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension with employer contributions

Life assurance (4x salary)

25 days’ annual leave

Sabbatical leave

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is recruiting a Non-Contentious Construction Associate for a market-leading Construction & Engineering team in Leeds or Manchester. The role offers hybrid working and exposure to UK and international mandates across energy, renewables, utilities and major infrastructure.

You will draft and negotiate contracts (JCT/NEC/FIDIC), advise on procurement and risk, build client relationships and support the firm’s growth with early responsibility.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 4–6 years’ PQE in non-contentious construction.
• Experience advising on complex construction and engineering projects across energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centres and development.
• Strong drafting for standard and bespoke contracts (JCT/NEC/FIDIC).
• Exposure to international documentation (helpful, not essential).
• Strong drafting, analytical and client-service skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of project documents (JCT/NEC/FIDIC).
• Advising on appointments, warranties, guarantees and long-term service contracts.
• Providing strategic procurement and risk allocation advice to stakeholders.
• Taking ownership of matters and mentoring junior colleagues.

Skills

Drafting

Analytical skills

Matter management

Client service

Relationship building

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

4–6 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)

Tools

JCT contracts

NEC contracts

FIDIC

EPC/EPCM documentation

Job description

Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Leeds (hybrid working)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 4 to 6 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who wants genuinely big-ticket projects, direct client exposure, and a role that sits right in the middle of the energy transition, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading Construction & Engineering team in Leeds or Manchester.

You’ll advise across a broad mix of UK and international mandates, spanning energy, renewables, utilities, data centres and major infrastructure, alongside high-quality real estate development work. The work is varied, fast-moving and strategically important, with early responsibility and strong long-term progression.

Due to sustained growth across the practice, our client is looking to recruit a 4 to 6 PQE Associate to support major projects from procurement through to delivery. You’ll work closely with senior lawyers in a high-performing environment, while taking real ownership of workstreams and building trusted client relationships.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and supporting workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects, advising clients across energy, utilities, renewables, transport, data centres and development
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of project documents, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts
• Advising on appointments, warranties, guarantees, security documents, framework agreements and long-term service contracts
• Providing strategic commercial, procurement and risk allocation advice to stakeholders including developers, funders, utilities, public sector bodies, operators, contractors and supply chain participants
• Taking ownership of matters and supporting the growth of the practice through client relationship management, business development and mentoring junior colleagues

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 4 to 6 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in non-contentious construction
• Experience advising on complex construction and engineering projects across energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centres and development
• Strong understanding of standard form and bespoke construction contracts, including JCT and NEC
• Exposure to FIDIC, EPC, EPCM or other international documentation (helpful, but not essential)
• Strong drafting, analytical and matter management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain excellent client service
• Confident relationship builder, able to deliver commercially focused advice aligned to client objectives and risk appetite

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)
• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)
• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover
• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)
• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year
• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)
• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling
• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps
• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan
• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme
• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Leeds or Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.