Senior Associate - Non Contentious Construction

JMC Legal Recruitment; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior Associate to specialize in Non-Contentious Construction. You will advise top clients on high-value projects, lead contract negotiations, and mentor junior lawyers. This position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and hybrid working arrangements. The ideal candidate has 5+ years' PQE and a strong commercial mindset.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Clear career progression

Hybrid working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE with substantial experience in Non-Contentious Construction.
• Proven ability to lead complex transactions and manage significant client relationships.
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating standard forms of contract and bespoke agreements.
• Strong commercial mindset and strategic approach to risk and project delivery.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and contributing to business development.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on significant UK and international construction projects.
• Lead the drafting and review of construction contracts.
• Guide on procurement strategy and risk allocation.
• Manage joint ventures and framework agreements.
• Mentor junior lawyers and develop client relationships.

Skills

Leading complex transactions

Drafting and negotiating contracts

Managing client relationships

Mentoring junior lawyers

Strategic risk management

Job description

This is a standout opportunity for a Senior Associate - Non-Contentious Construction (5+ PQE) to join a Top 20 international law firm, working from their modern Edinburgh office.

You'll advise top-tier clients on some of the most significant UK and international construction and infrastructure projects, handling complex, high-value transactional matters. This role offers exposure to first-class work and a high level of responsibility from day one.

Role
As a Senior Associate of a highly regarded national Construction practice, you will work closely with Partners and Senior colleagues to provide advice to a wide-ranging client base, including developers, contractors, funders, consultants and public sector bodies.

You will provide strategic advice across the full lifecycle of Construction and Infrastructure projects. This includes leading the drafting, negotiation and review of a variety of construction contracts such as NEC, JCT and bespoke forms. You will also guide clients on procurement strategy, risk allocation and project structuring.

Your role will involve leading on large-scale developments across the energy, transport, commercial and public infrastructure sectors. Additionally, you will advise on complex interface issues involving professional appointments, collateral warranties and sub-contracts, as well as manage joint ventures, framework agreements and other related commercial arrangements.

You will take a lead role in managing key matters, mentoring junior lawyers and developing strong client relationships. You will also contribute to business development initiatives and play an active role in shaping the team's future growth and success.

This position is ideal for someone looking to strengthen their technical expertise while building a high-profile practice within the Scottish and broader UK construction markets.

Your Experience

• 5+ years' PQE with substantial experience in Non-Contentious Construction.
• Proven ability to lead complex transactions and manage significant client relationships.
• Expertise in drafting and negotiating standard forms of contract and bespoke agreements.
• Strong commercial mindset and strategic approach to risk and project delivery.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and contributing to business development.

Benefits & Opportunities

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Clear and structured career progression and professional development support.
• Exposure to high-profile UK and international construction projects.
• Comprehensive benefits package including enhanced parental leave, wellbeing initiatives and tech support.

If you'd like to explore this opportunity further, please contact Tilly Scott at [e-mail] or 0131 460 7747 for a confidential discussion.