Real Estate - Principal Associate (Construction)

Higgs LLP; Brierley Hill; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Higgs LLP, based in the United Kingdom, seeks a Principal Associate Construction Lawyer to lead non-contentious Construction work within the Development Team. You will advise on major projects, shape the Construction offering, and work across Real Estate, Corporate and other teams to deliver seamless advice.

You will play a key role in developing client relationships, driving business development, and growing a dedicated Construction capability while maintaining high standards of quality and

Qualifications

• Lead Construction specialist within a team with independence and collaboration across disciplines.
• Interest in growing a Construction practice and contributing to development of the offering.
• Experience building and maintaining client relationships and spotting opportunities.
• Ability to guide teams with sound judgement and positive influence.
• Ability to manage complex demands and deliver clear guidance with key stakeholders.
• Understanding of financial hygiene and contribution to performance goals.

Responsibilities

• Act as the firm’s lead non-contentious Construction specialist within the Development team.
• Shape and develop the Construction offering, identifying growth opportunities with senior leadership.
• Develop processes, precedents and best practices for Construction work.
• Lead a broad range of complex non-contentious Construction matters across development, investment and financing.
• Advise on procurement strategy, risk allocation and project structuring.
• Draft and negotiate Construction documents (JCT, NEC and bespoke) and related security.
• Lead Construction due diligence and contribute to Real Estate and Corporate transactions.
• Be a key client contact on Construction matters and foster long-term relationships.
• Support business development and client wins; grow the Construction capability.
• Raise the profile of Construction through networking, events and thought leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relations

Team collaboration

Financial hygiene

Decision making

Job description

Job title

Principal Associate – Construction Lawyer

Career Stage

Level 4

Department

Real Estate – Development Team

Our Purpose

To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our communities.

Our Commitment to Our People

We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas.

Our Core Values

Higgs core values are “CLEAR” – Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships

Role Purpose

The Principal Associate Construction Lawyer will play a senior role within the Development team, acting as the primary Construction specialist, you will advise on a broad range of non-contentious Construction matters across development, investment and financing projects, delivering clear, commercially focused advice to a varied client base.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow a construction practice within a high-performing Real Estate team. You will take ownership of Construction aspects of major transactions, build strong client relationships and work closely with colleagues across Real Estate, Corporate and other teams to deliver seamless, joined-up advice.

Alongside a strong fee-earning contribution, you will play a key role in developing the Construction offering, including supporting business development initiatives, building profile in the market and, over time, helping to grow a dedicated Construction capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the firm’s lead non-contentious Construction specialist within the Development team.
• Take responsibility for shaping and developing the Construction offering, working closely with our Senior Leadership Team to identify opportunities for growth.
• Support the development of processes, precedents and best practice for Construction work across the firm.
• Lead on a broad range of complex non-contentious Construction matters across development, investment and financing projects.
• Advise on procurement strategy, risk allocation and project structuring.
• Draft, negotiate and advise on a full suite of Construction documentation (JCT, NEC and bespoke), including building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees and security documents.
• Lead Construction due diligence and provide strategic input into Real Estate and Corporate transactions.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients on Construction matters, building trusted and long-term relationships.
• Play an active role in business development, including identifying opportunities within the existing client base and supporting new client wins.
• Contribute to raising the profile of the Construction offering through networking, events and thought leadership.
• Maintain awareness of market developments and identify opportunities to expand the firm’s offering.

Person Specification

The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I), Test (T), or multiple (A/I/T).

Essential Criteria

• Comfortable operating as the lead Construction specialist within a team, with the confidence to manage matters independently whilst collaborating closely with colleagues across other disciplines. (A/I)
• An interest in, and aptitude for, contributing to the growth and development of a Construction practice. (A/I)
• Experience of building and maintaining client relationships and identifying opportunities for further work. (A/I)
• Ability to model constructive behaviours, support colleagues and help create a clear sense of direction through good judgement and positive influence (A/I)
• Ability to manage complex and competing demands with confidence, provide clear and reasoned guidance, and build effective working relationships with key stakeholders across the business. (A/I)
• Shows a clear understanding of financial hygiene and contributes to achieving team and individual performance goals. (A/I)

Desirable Criteria

• A following or emerging client relationships would be welcomed but is not essential.

Technical Know How

• Proficient user of core business and legal systems (essential). (A/I)
• Excellent understanding of data security, confidentiality and risk. (essential) (A/I)
• Adopts relevant tools and stays informed about new technologies (essential) (A/I)

What We Offer You

We offer more than just a job. Our benefits reflect our commitment to your development, wellbeing and work-life balance.

Higgs offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people can complete their best work from the most appropriate location. If you are looking to work flexibly then let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your request.

We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach which means dressing in a manner appropriate for your schedule or the specific appointments you have on any given day.

Equal Opportunities

Higgs LLP is proud to be a signatory of The Law Society’s Diversity, Inclusion Charter and a Disability Confident Committed Employer. These commitments reflect our dedication to building a workplace that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

As part of our Disability Confident commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt into the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

We are also committed to ensuring that all applicants can fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by contacting us at [e-mail].

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we regularly review and publish our diversity data, which can be accessed here.

People Driven. Legal Excellence.