Non Contentious Construction Senior Associate / Principal Associate

Shoosmiths; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoosmiths is expanding its Construction team and seeking a Senior Associate/Principal Associate with 5+ years' PQE in non-contentious construction. You will handle development, regeneration, infrastructure and energy projects for a diverse client base, with early responsibility and direct client exposure.

We offer a collaborative culture and flexible hybrid working, typically three days per week in the office, across Birmingham, London or Leeds.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 5+ years' PQE in construction.
• Strong non-contentious construction experience, including JCT/NEC contracts.
• Excellent drafting skills and commercial awareness.
• Able to manage matters and workstreams independently.
• Strong relationship-building and client service focus.
• Experience supervising junior lawyers and supporting business development.

Responsibilities

• Advising on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters across development, investment and infrastructure projects.
• Drafting and negotiating JCT, NEC, bespoke construction contracts and related documents.
• Advising on consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and third-party rights.
• Supporting clients on procurement strategies, risk allocation and project delivery issues.
• Collaborating with Real Estate, Energy & Infrastructure teams to provide seamless advice.
• Contributing to client relationships and growth of the practice.

Skills

Non-contentious construction

Contract drafting

Client relations

Independent work

Mentoring juniors

BD capabilities

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

The role

Our growing Construction team is looking to recruit a talented Senior Associate or Principal Associate to join our nationally recognised non-contentious construction practice. We are open to considering candidates based in Birmingham, London or Leeds.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer seeking high quality work across some of the UK's most significant development, regeneration, infrastructure and energy projects. Working alongside leading lawyers across Real Estate, Energy & Infrastructure, Planning and Real Estate Finance, you will advise a diverse client base including developers, investors, occupiers, funders and public sector bodies.

At Shoosmiths, we combine exceptional client work with a collaborative and supportive culture. You'll be given early responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to play a key role in complex, high profile projects from inception through to completion.

Your Work Will Include

• Advising on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters across development, investment and infrastructure projects.
• Drafting and negotiating JCT, NEC, bespoke construction contracts, and development agreements/ agreements for lease and associated transaction documents. .
• Advising on consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and third-party rights.
• Supporting clients on procurement strategies, risk allocation and project delivery issues.
• Working closely with colleagues across our national Real Estate and Infrastructure practices to provide seamless, commercially focused advice.
• Contributing to client relationship management, business development initiatives and the continued growth of the practice.

The team

Our Construction team is recognised for advising on some of the most exciting projects in the market. We work closely with clients across the built environment, supporting major development and regeneration schemes, infrastructure projects, energy developments and investment transactions throughout the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering practical, commercially focused advice that helps clients achieve their objectives while managing risk effectively. Collaboration sits at the heart of our approach, both within the team and across the wider firm.

Shoosmiths embraces flexible hybrid working with team members typically working at least three days per week from the office to support collaboration, learning and team connection.

About You

We are interested in candidates with strong technical expertise alongside a commercial and proactive approach to client service.

Essential

• Qualified solicitor with 5+ years' PQE gained within a recognised construction practice.
• Strong experience advising on non-contentious construction matters, including JCT and/or NEC contracts.
• Excellent technical and drafting skills combined with strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to manage matters and workstreams independently.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to client service excellence.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for business development.

Desirable

• Experience advising on major development, regeneration, infrastructure or energy projects.
• Knowledge of development finance structures and funder requirements.
• Experience of Building Safety Act related issues and documentation.

The Firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all our ability to focus on what matters most. With offices across the UK and Brussels, we partner with some of the world's most exciting, innovative and ambitious organisations, helping clients make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities. Our people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, collaborate in high performing teams and deliver exceptional results through a culture built on excellence, innovation and mutual support.

As the first Top 50 law firm to achieve the Investors in People Platinum Standard, our values are more than statements on a website. They are embedded in everything we do and form the foundation of our success.

Alongside a competitive remuneration package we offer high quality work, a supportive environment and a comprehensive, flexible benefits programme designed to reward and support our people. We believe our success is driven by our employees and we are committed to recognising their contribution to the firm's continued growth and achievements.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit our Benefits Package page.

Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions.

As part of our accreditation we commit to interviewing any applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for each vacancy. In some circumstances we may only be able to interview those that best meet the essential criteria due to the volume of applications received.

Further information on the Disability Confident scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team on [e-mail]. We can consider your needs and requirements, and how we can assist you to apply for our roles. For example we can provide a copy of our application via email so that you can complete it using your own accessibility software.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.