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

Clear development pathways

Job summary

William James Recruitment is representing a prestigious specialist construction law firm seeking a Senior Associate to join its non-contentious Construction team in London.

The role offers visibility to partners, high-quality domestic and international projects, and a clear progression path within a collaborative, low-attrition culture. You will lead drafting and negotiation of contracts, advise across project lifecycles, and contribute to business development while working closely with partners.

Qualifications

• Senior Associate-level construction lawyer with 5+ PQE.
• Strong non-contentious construction experience.
• Confident drafting and negotiating standard form and bespoke contracts.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Senior Associate-level construction

Non-contentious construction

Partner-facing / client-focused

Job description

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