PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

•    Due to sustained growth in our mandates across energy, renewables, data centres and major infrastructure, we are looking to recruit a 4–6 PQE non-contentious Construction Associate to join our London team.
•    You will work on a broad range of UK and international engineering and construction projects, with a particular focus on energy transition (including offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, biofuels, pumped storage and hydro), power, utilities, process plant, data centres and complex civil engineering.
•    This position also offers exposure to market-leading real estate development work, including but not limited to, retail, town centre regeneration, office, leisure, residential, hotel and mixed-use schemes.
•    This is an opportunity to play a central role in delivering strategically important projects for key clients, to help shape client relationships and to contribute to the continued expansion of our market-leading construction and projects offering.

THE TEAM

•    You will join a market-leading Construction & Development team with an outstanding reputation for advising on some of the most significant and complex development, energy and infrastructure projects, in both 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. 
•    We advise across the full lifecycle of construction and engineering projects, spanning renewables, power and utilities, data centres, transport and social infrastructure, industrial processing facilities, and conventional real estate development.
•    We act for an impressive client base, including developers, sponsors, funds, utilities, IPPs, contractors, operators, technology providers, universities and public sector bodies. We advise on procurement strategies, 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 projects across the energy, infrastructure, data centre and commercial development sectors, working closely with senior lawyers and clients on complex, high value matters from procurement through to project delivery, as well as leading real estate development work.
•    Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of construction and engineering agreements, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke contracts, as well as professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees, security documents and long-term operational agreements.
•    Advise on strategic risk allocation, procurement and commercial issues for a diverse client base, including developers, sponsors, funders, contractors, utilities, public sector bodies and operators, helping clients deliver projects efficiently while managing legal and commercial risk.
•    Take ownership of matters from an early stage, with meaningful responsibility for managing your own workstreams, coordinating project documentation, advising clients on key issues and developing strong, direct client relationships.
•    Play an active role in the growth of the practice, supporting business development initiatives, contributing to pitches and client relationship management, and mentoring junior colleagues while helping to develop team know-how, precedents and training resources.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

To be successful in this role, you will:
•    Have 4-6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction law, with strong experience advising on energy, renewables, power, utilities, infrastructure, data centre and/or commercial development projects, with a sound understanding of the legal and commercial issues affecting these sectors.
•    Be proficient in drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements; experience with FIDIC, EPC, EPCM or other international project documentation would be advantageous.
•    Be a confident stakeholder manager, with experience of engaging effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, funders and internal stakeholders, building strong relationships and delivering practical, commercial advice.
•    Possess excellent drafting, analytical, procedural and document management skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters, meet competing deadlines and maintain the high standards of accuracy and client service expected within a leading practice.
•    Be commercially minded, collaborative and eager to develop, with a genuine interest in understanding clients' businesses, supporting business development initiatives and contributing to 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.