Construction Solicitor/Partner

Role Overview

• Advise on a broad range of construction and engineering matters, including contract drafting and negotiation, contract administration, claims for extensions of time and loss and expense, variations and payment issues.
• Draft, review and amend standard and bespoke construction contracts and collateral warranties (including NEC, JCT, FIDIC and supply/subcontract forms), ensuring contractual positions reflect client risk appetite and commercial objectives.
• Provide proactive commercial and legal guidance on procurement strategies, procurement documentation, bonding and performance security, and novation arrangements.
• Manage and advise on dispute avoidance and resolution strategies, including adjudication, arbitration, litigation and alternative dispute resolution; prepare notices, pleadings, schedules of loss and witness statements as required.
• Conduct project‑level risk assessments and provide clear, pragmatic advice to clients and fee earners on contractual entitlements, liabilities and mitigation measures throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and manage matters from instruction to conclusion, delegating work appropriately, supervising solicitors and paralegals, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and files remain audit‑ready.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, engineers, quantity surveyors, insurers and other external advisers to obtain information, resolve technical issues and coordinate case strategy.
• Support business development and fee growth activities including client relationship management, preparing proposals, bid support, presentations, thought leadership and cross‑selling firm services.
• Maintain accurate time recording, prepare fee estimates, manage budgets and support billing and credit control processes; escalate matter risks and fee issues promptly.
• Contribute to team learning and quality improvement: prepare and maintain precedents, checklists and guidance notes, deliver training to colleagues and promote best practice and efficient workflows.
• Undertake client identification and AML checks, maintain clear records and ensure compliance with firm policies, regulatory obligations and professional standards.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with significant construction law experience; for Partner level applicants substantial post‑qualification experience with proven fee‑earner management and business development track record is required.
• Practical experience of drafting, negotiating and advising on construction contracts (NEC, JCT, FIDIC and bespoke forms), supply and subcontract documentation, collateral warranties and professional appointments.
• Strong experience of construction dispute resolution including adjudication, arbitration and litigation, with the ability to prepare robust claims, defences and supporting evidence.
• Excellent commercial awareness and client management skills with the ability to deliver pragmatic, risk‑based advice and build lasting client relationships.
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands, supervise and mentor junior staff and maintain audit‑ready files under tight deadlines.
• High standard of drafting and document preparation with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to produce client‑facing documents using firm precedents.
• Proficiency with case management and document management systems, Microsoft Office (advanced Word skills), PDF tools and willingness to support digital workflows and process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to liaise effectively with technical advisers, clients and third parties and to represent the firm professionally in high‑value matters.
• Commercially minded, resilient and adaptable with good problem‑solving skills and a commitment to maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards.
• A collaborative, inclusive approach and commitment to contributing positively to team culture, knowledge sharing and business growth.

Benefits

• Hybrid working