Senior Associate - Infrastructure

Mills & Reeve; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking an ambitious lawyer to join their projects and Infrastructure team in Birmingham. The successful candidate will work on high-value projects within the public and private sectors, focusing on social infrastructure and PPPs. Responsibilities include leading projects, advising on PFI matters, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have at least 5 years PQE in commercial law and strong drafting skills. A competitive salary and a range of benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Wide range of benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years PQE in commercial law.
• Experience with public sector or private-sector contracting.
• Ability to provide clear and pragmatic advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead major projects and develop innovative contract structures.
• Advise on PFI operational matters and future public-private partnerships.
• Draft and negotiate high-value commercial contracts.

Skills

Commercial law experience

Drafting skills

Public sector experience

Procurement experience

Security clearance

Job description

We are looking to welcome an ambitious lawyer to our busy and friendly projects and Infrastructure team where you will work on a range of projects focused on the social infrastructure PPP sector, taking in:

• the Living sector, and student accommodation projects in particular;
• renewables and net zero projects;
• Government sector;
• Health sector;
• legacy / operational PFI projects.

Our team is constantly involved in high‑value and high‑profile projects, advising a range of sectors for Government departments, contracting authorities and private‑sector clients on complex commercial contracts of national importance. You will be given early responsibility to run projects and your own matters, working closely with key partners. The role may be based at any of our regional offices, excluding London.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co‑lead major projects and assist in developing innovative, cutting‑edge contract structures;
• Advise on PFI operational matters and PFI expiry/variation;
• Advise on future public‑private partnerships and PFI successor models;
• Advise on renewables and low‑carbon projects, including heat networks, solar and decentralised energy schemes;
• Structure, draft and negotiate high‑value commercial contracts (including financial and technical schedules);
• Mentor and supervise team members and support client training;
• Lead and participate in business development initiatives and marketing events, including client training, preparation of tenders, attending pitches and client hospitality events;
• Co‑ordinate project management to ensure a seamless service;
• Possibly work on procurement issues and develop procurement skills.

Qualifications

• Significant commercial law experience, with a minimum of 5 years PQE;
• Experience working with the public sector or for private‑sector companies contracting with the public sector;
• Strong drafting skills (preferably with experience of the Model Services Contract and PFI/PPP documentation);
• The ability to give clear, simple and pragmatic advice and to work collaboratively with clients;
• Public procurement experience is a plus but not a requirement;
• Security clearance is a plus but not a requirement;
• Enthusiasm for the role and a "can‑do" attitude with a desire to put the client first.

Our Values

• We are ambitious – we aim high, embrace new ideas and are passionate about our work;
• We are open – we communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what is right;
• We care – we are committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet;
• We collaborate – we are easy to work with, offer help willingly and get things done together.

Benefits

As you would expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits. You will also enjoy working within a firm ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, a culture that values people, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and flexible working arrangements. Click here to find out more about our core benefit offering.