Non-Contentious Construction Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible working environment

High-quality work and development path

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Senior Associate in its London-based non-contentious Construction team. The role offers direct partner access, high-profile domestic and international projects, and a clear progression path.

You will draft and negotiate construction contracts, provide project advisory support across the lifecycle of major developments, and contribute to procurement strategy and risk allocation for infrastructure and cross-border works.

Qualifications

• Senior Associate-level construction lawyer with 5+ PQE.
• Strong non-contentious construction experience and drafting/bargaining contracts.
• Commercial, client-focused with leadership potential and partnership exposure.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts.
• Project advisory work across major developments.
• Advise on procurement strategy and risk allocation.
• Support infrastructure and international projects.

Skills

Non-contentious construction

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Client management

Cross-border work

Job description

Non-Contentious Construction Senior Associate

Senior Associate – Construction (Non-Contentious)

The Role

William James Recruitment is instructed by a highly regarded specialist construction law firm seeking a Senior Associate-level lawyer to join its non-contentious Construction team in London.

The firm has a long-established reputation for advising on complex domestic and international construction and infrastructure projects. It operates from multiple offices in the UK and internationally and is known for its partner-led, collaborative culture and exceptionally low attrition.

The London Construction team is well-established, collegiate and growing. The team advises contractors, consultants, insurers and developers on a wide range of project advisory, contractual and development matters. This is a genuine opportunity to step into a visible senior role with direct partner access, high-quality work and a clear pathway for progression.

The Work

You will work on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts
• Project advisory work throughout the lifecycle of major developments
• Funding and development agreements
• Advising on procurement strategy and risk allocation
• Supporting infrastructure and international projects

The work spans NEC, FIDIC and JCT contracts and includes both UK-based and cross-border projects across infrastructure, engineering and development sectors.

The Candidate

• Senior Associate-level construction lawyer (typically 5+ PQE)
• Strong non-contentious construction experience
• Confident drafting and negotiating standard form and bespoke contracts
• Commercial, client-focused and comfortable taking responsibility for matters
• Keen to work closely with partners and play a visible role within the team
• Collaborative, proactive and interested in long-term progression

Progression & Development

• Clear line of sight to Partners and Senior Leadership
• Strong mentoring culture and active support with business development
• Senior Associates expected to take increased responsibility within 12 months
• Opportunities to become involved in international work, subject to interest and experience

Culture & Platform

• Specialist, partner-led firm with a strong reputation in construction and infrastructure
• Supportive, non-hierarchical team culture
• Work shared fairly, with no internal competition for clients
• High levels of exposure to major projects from day one
• Emphasis on teamwork, responsiveness and commercial advice

Why This Opportunity

• Join a market-recognised construction practice with deep sector expertise
• Work on high-profile, complex domestic and international projects
• Genuine opportunity for progression in a low-attrition environment
• Partner access, autonomy and meaningful responsibility
• A collaborative alternative to large, highly leveraged City teams

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration
• Supportive and flexible working environment
• High-quality work with clear development pathways

Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)

Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665

Mobile: [phone]

Email: [emailprotected]