Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate Construction - Any office

Harrison Drury Solicitors; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee bonus scheme

Medicash health benefits cash plan

Paid time off for voluntary work

Free conveyancing for primary residence

Free individual or mirror Wills

Job summary

A leading law firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a qualified Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate with a minimum of 3 years PQE in construction law to manage a caseload and contribute to team growth. The position offers flexible working options and a supportive culture that invests in staff development. Responsibilities include delivering client service, supervising junior members, and producing high-quality legal documentation. Competitive benefits include an employee bonus scheme and health cash plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years PQE within a construction department.
• Experience across a wide range of construction law matters.
• Strong client-facing skills and commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Managing a busy and varied caseload.
• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships.
• Collaborating effectively with other service line teams.

Skills

Ability to manage own caseload with minimal supervision

Strong attention to detail

Excellent communication and IT skills

Proven business development ability

Solid understanding of construction law

Experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction matters

Education

Qualified Solicitor with minimum 3 years PQE

Job description

Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate Construction - Any office

Harrison‑Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for, for the third year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to work for list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to work for in the Law sector — achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace.

About the Construction Team

Our specialist Construction Department is led by Katherine Sibley, a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer. The team provides high‑quality legal services across the construction industry, working with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, local councils and residential homeowners.

Non‑contentious expertise

Drafting suites of construction documentation including contracts, subcontractor terms, professional appointments, collateral warranties, parent company guarantees, performance bonds, pre‑construction services agreements and letters of reliance. The team are experts in JCT, NEC, IChemE and FIDIC contracts. The team assists the commercial property team in advising on agreements for lease, licences for works and development agreements. The team also assists the corporate and commercial teams providing risk reviews for clients, advice on procurement methods, supplier terms.

Contentious expertise

Handling disputes such as breach of contract, loss and expense, delay and disruption claims, professional negligence, and adjudication enforcement. The team is experienced in running and defending claims in the Technology & Construction Court including Part 8 claims and in ADR processes including adjudication, arbitration and mediation. The team advises on risk avoidance, risk management and debt recovery.

The Opportunity

We are looking to recruit a qualified Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate (minimum 3 years PQE) with proven construction law experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Take on an existing caseload immediately.
• Play a key role in the growth and development of the team across the respective offices.
• Work flexibly, with remote working options available.

Typical Duties

• Managing a busy and varied caseload.
• Liaising with supervisors to balance workload.
• Delivering excellent client service and building long‑term relationships.
• Supporting and supervising junior team members and support staff.
• Collaborating effectively with other service line teams.
• Contributing to team objectives and knowledge development.
• Producing high‑quality legal advice and documentation.
• Helping to develop a precedent bank.
• Writing blogs and LinkedIn posts on construction law developments.
• Promoting Harrison Drury’s values internally and externally.
• Providing or assisting with training sessions for clients (optional).
• Performing seminars for clients and targets (optional).

Skills & Experience

• Ability to manage own caseload with minimal supervision.
• Minimum of 3 years PQE within a construction department.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise work to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and IT skills.
• Strong client‑facing skills and commercial awareness.
• Proven business development ability, with a track record of building networks.
• Solid understanding of construction law and experience across a wide range of matters.
• Experience in both contentious and non‑contentious construction matters.
• Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.

Benefits

• Commitment to a maximum of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum
• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday entitlement increases with length of service
• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
• Free individual or mirror Wills
• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
• Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm.
• Work alongside recognised experts in the field.
• Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in staff development and wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team.