Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Private medical insurance

Pension with employer contributions

Dental plan

Life assurance

Income protection

25 days annual leave

Sabbatical leave

Wellbeing subsidies

Cycle to Work

CSR volunteering day

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions in Manchester seeks a non-contentious construction associate to join a market-leading team focused on development, regeneration, energy, utilities and engineering projects across the public and private sectors.

You’ll draft and negotiate construction documentation, advise on procurement strategies, and support on major mandates alongside partners and senior colleagues in a high-quality practice.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation
• Confident stakeholder manager with ability to engage internal/external parties
• Excellent drafting style and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Advise a broad client base on non-contentious construction matters
• Draft and negotiate construction and engineering contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC)
• Support procurement strategies and dispute avoidance measures
• Manage own matters with supervision and assist on larger mandates
• Provide day-to-day project support to partners and colleagues
• Assist with pitches and business development activities
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Banking and Projects teams to deliver joined-up advice

Skills

Drafting contracts

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Job description

Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys complex projects, wants real client exposure, and is looking to build your profile within a top-tier team, this is a strong opportunity in Manchester.

You’ll join a market-leading Construction practice advising on a wide range of development, regeneration, energy, utilities and engineering projects across both the public and private sectors. The work is varied and high quality, with the chance to take on increasing responsibility, support key client relationships and play a visible role in the continued growth of the team.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction matters, with a particular emphasis on real estate development. You’ll draft and negotiate construction documentation, advise on procurement strategy and dispute avoidance, and support on major mandates alongside partners and senior colleagues.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising a broad client base (including government bodies, funders, developers, employers, operators, contractors, sub-contractors and professional teams) on non-contentious construction matters


• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of construction and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements


• Supporting clients on procurement strategies (including facilities management) and practical dispute avoidance mechanisms


• Managing your own matters with appropriate supervision and assisting on larger, more complex mandates


• Acting as first-line support for partners on day-to-day project issues and documentation


• Supporting client relationship development and assisting with pitches and business development activity


• Working closely with colleagues across Real Estate, Banking and Projects to deliver joined-up advice

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified lawyer with around 2 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in non-contentious construction


• Strong experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation, ideally with a real estate development focus


• Confident stakeholder manager, comfortable engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels


• Strong procedural, document and matter management skills with excellent attention to detail


• Clear drafting style and ability to produce legally effective documents aligned to client instructions


• Proactive, inquisitive approach and interest in understanding client drivers and project objectives

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)


• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)


• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover


• Dental plan and access to health screening options


• 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


• Mental health support network and occupational health support


• 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 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.