Non-Contentious Construction Senior Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is advising a leading City firm on a Senior Associate opportunity in Projects, Development & Construction. The role focuses on non-contentious construction for major clients, with potential for Partnership progression.

You will work with top partners, handling procurement, contract drafting and risk allocation across diverse projects, including housing, healthcare and infrastructure, while contributing to business development.

Qualifications

• 7+ PQE ideal; exceptional 6+ PQE will be considered.
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with strong non-contentious construction experience.
• Strong development, investor and/or housing/accommodation experience welcomed.
• Solid knowledge of market-standard amendments and bespoke agreements.

Responsibilities

• Shape procurement and contracting strategies from project outset.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction and project documentation.
• Prepare agreements protecting client interests and allocating risk.
• Advise on standard and bespoke contracts (JCT, NEC, EPC/EP CM) and JV structures.
• Support clients with risk management and dispute avoidance across live projects.

Skills

Non-Contentious Construction

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Tools

JCT

NEC

FIDIC

Job description

Projects, Development & Construction Senior Associate | 7+ PQE | City of London | Top 100 Firm

Are you an experienced Non-Contentious Construction lawyer looking to take the next step in your career, with Partnership potentially within reach over the next few years?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, dynamic team within a leading London firm, offering high-quality work, strong client exposure and genuine long‑term progression.

The Firm:

This Chambers-ranked law firm has created a strong reputation with expertise across private wealth, technology, property, life sciences, education, retail, sports and entertainment and more. Advising domestic and international clients including multinational corporations, public companies, partnerships, financial institutions and private individuals, they have built an impressive client base throughout their 300-year history, putting them in good stead to compete with some of the world's biggest firms.

Widely praised for its supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture, the firm has a strong reputation for mentoring and career development. You will join a team where you'll be supported by leading partners and solicitors, gain hands‑on experience and have the opportunity to build a long‑term career within the firm.

The specialist Projects, Development and Construction team is a core element of the wider firm and provides a comprehensive range of construction law solutions across the wide spectrum of projects undertaken in the construction industry. The team has an esteemed reputation across accommodation, housing, residential development, health, education, commercial and investor sectors.

You will join a close‑knit project team, working alongside experienced associates, senior associates and award‑winning partners, all with extensive expertise across construction and development. The team is renowned for delivering high‑quality results while maintaining strong relationships with their long‑standing clients.

The Role:

A standout opportunity for an experienced Non-Contentious Construction Solicitor to join a forward-thinking and rapidly expanding team, with excellent mentorship, significant client exposure and a genuine opportunity to progress towards Partnership.

As a Senior Associate in the Projects, Development and Construction team, you will work on a broad range of high-quality matters, advising clients across the construction sector including public institutions, developers, contractors, funders and consultants.

Your work will include:

• Shape procurement and contracting strategies from project outset.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction and project documentation.
• Prepare agreements that protect client interests and allocate risk effectively.
• Work across diverse project types including regeneration, accommodation, energy, healthcare, hotels and infrastructure.
• Advise on standard and bespoke contracts, including JCT, EPC/EPCM, NEC, partnering arrangements and joint ventures.
• Support clients with risk management during live projects, including payment issues, delays and safety concerns.
• Analyse contracts to clarify rights, responsibilities and next steps.
• Advise on extensions of time, insolvency issues and termination processes.
• Help clients avoid disputes through proactive advice and commercial negotiation.

Alongside your fee‑earning work, you’ll have the opportunity to build and develop your own profile, with a strong emphasis on business development and client relationship management. You will also play a key role in supporting junior fee earners, providing supervision, guidance and mentoring.

For the right individual, there is genuine scope to develop towards Partnership over the next few years, making this particularly attractive to an ambitious Senior Associate who is looking for a clear and realistic route to the next stage of their career.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• Join a dynamic, award‑winning firm with a growing Projects, Development & Construction practice.
• Work alongside highly regarded partners and lawyers with national reputations and proven expertise.
• Advise on complex, high-value projects for an impressive range of clients.
• Take a leading role in business development and the continued growth of the team.
• Genuine opportunity for an ambitious Senior Associate to progress towards Partnership.
• Supportive and collaborative culture with a strong focus on professional development.
• Transparent career pathway with long-term progression opportunities.
• Contribute to the successful development of the firm in line with its wider business plan.

Requirements:

• Ideally 7+ PQE, although exceptional candidates with 6+ PQE will also be considered.
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with strong Non-Contentious Construction experience.
• Strong development, investor and/or housing/accommodation experience is welcomed.
• Solid knowledge of JCT, NEC, FIDIC and market-standard amendments.
• Experience with bespoke agreements, large-scale due diligence and development arrangements.
• Strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Enthusiastic approach to business development and relationship building.
• Candidates with a clear ambition to progress to Partnership within the next few years are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Construction Solicitor to join a leading UK full-service law firm and take a genuine step towards Partnership. You’ll work alongside highly regarded lawyers on complex, high-value matters, gaining exceptional exposure to a broad range of high-profile clients and transactions while playing a key role in the continued growth of the team.