Senior Associate - Projects, Development and Construction

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Flexible working options

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Senior Associate for its Projects, Development, and Construction team. This role involves shaping procurement strategies, managing contractual expertise for diverse construction projects, and supervising associates. The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience in non-contentious construction law, strong organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to client relations. The firm supports a hybrid working model, with the flexibility to work from home. Diversity and inclusion are actively promoted.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in construction law managing associates and various matters.
• Extensive knowledge of non-contentious construction law and standard contracts.
• Ability to work on bespoke, complex agreements and large-scale due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Shape procurement strategies and negotiate project documentation.
• Work on regeneration schemes and energy projects.
• Advise on risks in live projects and manage a variety of workload.

Skills

Non-contentious construction law

Standard-form contracts (JCT, NEC, FIDIC)

Contractual expertise

Strong organisational skills

Team leadership

Education

Qualified solicitor (6+ years)

Job description

Senior Associate - Projects, Development and Construction

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a leading UK and international law firm which provides high quality legal advice tailored to both businesses and individuals. We address the specific objectives of each client through our flair and technical expertise and offer a personal service founded on a strong team ethic.

With UK offices in the City of London, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford, Oxford and Reading, and an overseas network spanning Singapore, Piraeus, Paris and Madrid, we employ over 880 people including 130 partners. Our main areas of practice include real estate, commercial, corporate, dispute resolution, private client and family.

Our Projects, Development & Construction Team has a strong reputation in real estate, housing & accommodation, property investment, commercial property, education, health, care, sustainability and renewables, and works closely with our technology and private wealth teams. Our lawyers are recognised for expertise in procurement, construction, development and large‑scale projects, including joint ventures, regeneration and renewable projects. We have built significant depth through the 2019 merger with Thomas Cooper, expanding our international litigation, arbitration and maritime capabilities.

Responsibilities

As a core member of the firm, you will help clients from the outset to shape procurement and contracting strategies, negotiate and draft all types of construction, development and project documentation, and prepare agreements that reflect their interests and risk sharing.

You will work on a wide ambit of construction, development and infrastructure projects, with a focus on regeneration schemes, accommodation sector projects, energy and renewables, healthcare, hotels and infrastructure. Your contractual expertise will cover standard‑form contracts and bespoke arrangements, including JCT, EPC, NEC and FIDIC forms, as well as multi‑party and partnering working arrangements and joint ventures.

Your role will also involve advising on risks in live schemes, providing payment advice, dealing with delays, fire stopping issues, and preventing construction project failures. You will analyse contracts to inform clients of their rights and responsibilities, suggest next steps, challenge extensions of time requests, issue termination notices and advise on the consequences of termination, and address insolvency issues where applicable.

You will primarily focus on non‑contentious matters, helping to avoid disputes and shape commercial negotiations. You will manage associates and a varied workload, organise files, and nurture junior team members.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• At least 6+ years qualified and previous experience within a construction team managing associates and a range of matters.
• Extensive experience of non‑contentious construction law, including standard‑form contracts and bespoke arrangements.
• Solid knowledge of JCT, NEC, FIDIC and other standard‑form contracts, their standard amendments and commercial expectations.
• Willingness to work on bespoke, complex agreements and large‑scale due diligence exercises.
• Experience of running matters, organising files and managing a varied workload.
• Ability to work well with and supervise junior members.
• Strong organisational, teamwork and can‑do attitude.
• Desirable: experience of development, investor, housing or accommodation projects, and knowledge of the sector.

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy, allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time, with two core days in the London office. Flexible working options are available.

We actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome. We provide equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. Adjustments are available for people with disabilities or long‑term health conditions. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance.