PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

•    Due to sustained growth in our mandates across energy, renewables, utilities, data centres and major infrastructure, we are looking to recruit a 4–6 PQE non-contentious Construction Associate to join our Leeds or Manchester team.
•    You will work on a broad range of UK and international engineering and construction projects, with a particular focus on the energy transition (including offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, biofuels, pumped storage and hydro), power and utilities (including water, gas and grid projects), process plant, data centres, airports and complex civil engineering, alongside more traditional real estate development work.
•    This is an opportunity to play a central role in delivering strategically important projects for key clients—including FTSE 100 utilities, airport operators and energy companies—to help shape client relationships and to contribute to the continued expansion of our market‑leading construction and projects offering from the North.
•    This position also offers exposure to a broad range of market-leading real estate development projects, including retail, town centre regeneration, office, leisure, residential, hotel and mixed-use schemes. The role provides the opportunity to work on complex matters throughout the development lifecycle, from site acquisition and structuring through to development, funding and eventual disposal or occupation.

THE TEAM

•    You will join a market‑leading Construction & Engineering team with an outstanding reputation for advising on some of the most significant and complex development, energy and infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally. The team offers early responsibility, direct client exposure and the chance to work closely with highly regarded partners in a supportive, high‑performing environment with excellent long‑term career prospects
•    Our practice advises on the full lifecycle of construction and engineering projects across the energy, renewables, utilities, transport and national infrastructure, industrial and process plant, data centre, and real estate development sectors.
•    We act for an impressive client base, including FTSE 100 utilities, energy companies, airport groups, developers, sponsors, funds, IPPs, contractors, operators, technology providers, universities and public sector bodies. We advise on procurement strategies (including early contractor involvement, two‑stage tendering, construction management and EPC), joint ventures, development and concession structures, construction and O&M contracts, project finance structures and major regeneration and infrastructure programmes.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE

•    Lead and support workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects, advising clients across the energy, utilities, renewables, transport, data centre and development sectors from procurement through to project delivery. 
•    Work on high-profile and strategically important mandates, including major power and renewables developments, utility and water sector frameworks, airport and transport infrastructure programmes, and nationally significant infrastructure projects. 
•    Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of project documentation, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts, as well as appointments, warranties, guarantees, security documents, framework agreements and long-term service contracts.
•    Provide strategic commercial, procurement and risk allocation advice to a diverse client base, including developers, funders, utilities, public sector bodies, operators, contractors and supply-chain participants. 
•    Take ownership of matters and contribute to the growth of the practice, managing client relationships, supporting business development initiatives, and helping to mentor junior colleagues while contributing to team know-how and training.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

To be successful in this role, you will:
•    Have 4-6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction law, with experience advising on complex construction and engineering projects across the energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centre and development sectors.
•    Have a strong understanding of standard form and bespoke construction contracts, including JCT and NEC, with exposure to FIDIC, EPC, EPCM or other international project documentation considered advantageous.
•    Be a confident relationship builder, capable of working effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, funders and internal stakeholders, and delivering commercially focused advice that reflects clients' objectives and risk appetite.
•    Demonstrate excellent drafting, analytical and matter management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain exceptional client service standards, and contribute to business development and the continued growth of the team.

OUR FIRM

Our story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. We believe results follow relationships, so we work closely with each other, and develop deep client connections to deliver. 

Our award-winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care – looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down to earth and inclusive environment. We do the right things in the right ways, combining commercial excellence and innovative thinking with teamwork. Together, we deliver excellence, achieve stand out solutions, and enable career-defining opportunities.