At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Construction team to handle both contentious and non-contentious construction law matters.
- Company: Ortus Group partners with a leading mid-market law firm in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical insurance, hybrid working, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience, client contact, and a chance to grow as a construction law specialist.
- Qualifications: 1-5 years PQE in construction law, with experience in both contentious and non-contentious work.
- Other info: Great opportunity for young lawyers eager to develop their careers in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Title – Construction Associate
PQE – 1 – 5 Year PQE
Background to the Firm
Ortus Group is working with a leading mid-market law firm based in smart offices in the City of London. The business provide a comprehensive legal service to a wide range of businesses and private individuals. The client base includes multinationals, public and private companies, partnerships, public sector organisations and private clients.
The Construction team
The Construction team sits as specialist unit within the firms incredibly well regarded Real Estate Services department, the construction team works for a wide range of clients including nationally known housebuilders, developers, industrial and commercial clients, entrepreneurs, HNW individuals, construction professionals, main contractors, and sub-contractors. Real Estate is one of the firm's core practice areas.
The successful candidate is likely to have had a thorough grounding in their training contract and any post qualification experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction work and wish to develop their career as a construction law specialist on both fronts.
On the contentious side, the candidate should be familiar with the Construction and Engineering Protocol, the procedures of the TCC and with adjudicating under the Construction Act, in relation to matters such as disputed accounts, time and delay claims, workmanship and materials issues, and professional negligence.
They should also have substantive non-contentious experience in drafting and negotiating building contracts (principally JCT contracts in their various forms, but not exclusively so) as well as professional terms of engagement, collateral warranties, parent company guarantees and performance bonds.
There may be a requirement for a certain amount of involvement in real estate litigation insofar as the interests of housebuilder clients are concerned: this would tend to relate to land rights, contract disputes with customers, and commercial JV and profit-sharing arrangements. Some knowledge of insurance law would also be helpful but is not a pre-requisite.
The candidate will actively assist in developing the practice by working mainly on their own files, and with others on larger transactions. In accordance with the general practice of the firm, the candidate will have responsibility and client contact, and will enjoy the support and encouragement of other members of the team at all levels.
Responsibilities
To be responsible, under the supervision of the partner, for the day-to-day running of matters and to:
- Provide a high level of client service
- Carry out work expeditiously and to a high professional standard
- Depending upon level, assist in the supervision of trainee solicitors
- Comply with the continuing education requirements of the Law Society and, over and above those requirements, to ensure that adequate training is undertaken to keep up to date with changes in the law
- Ensure that all time spent on any matter is recorded and that recorded time is monitored regularly and billed promptly
- Consolidate the relationship with clients and actively seek to market the services of the department and the wider firm to clients and potential clients
- Attend the firm’s networking events, initiate and undertake other business development activities, as appropriate
Specification of Role
- Able to demonstrate competence in contentious and non-contentious construction law
- Capable of producing competent advice promptly and within budget
- Able to deliver excellent client service at the highest level
- Able and willing to become involved and assist in all matters, including billing and business development as well as fee-earning work
- Demonstrates a keen interest in business development and willingness to become involved in departmental marketing initiatives
- Able to demonstrate the qualities of an enthusiastic team player
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme
Private Medical Insurance
Season Ticket Loan
Death in Service Benefit
Hybrid Working (currently three days in the office and two remotely)
For a young ambitious construction lawyer this is a genuinely incredible opportunity, please get in touch to find out more.
Construction Solicitor employer: Ortus Group
Contact Detail:
Ortus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Construction and Engineering Protocol as well as the procedures of the TCC. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the nuances of construction law.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current trends in construction law by attending relevant seminars or webinars. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also provide networking opportunities that could be beneficial when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with JCT contracts and other building contracts during your discussions. Being able to speak confidently about your practical experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for business development by preparing ideas on how you could contribute to the firm's marketing initiatives. This proactive approach will highlight your eagerness to grow within the firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction law. Include specific examples of your work with JCT contracts, client interactions, and any relevant training or qualifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention your understanding of the Construction and Engineering Protocol, and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your ability to provide high-level client service and your involvement in business development activities. Highlight any specific cases or projects that demonstrate your competence in construction law.
Demonstrate Team Spirit: Emphasize your ability to work as part of a team and your willingness to assist in the supervision of trainee solicitors. Mention any previous experiences where you contributed to a collaborative environment or supported colleagues in their work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ortus Group
✨Know Your Construction Law Basics
Make sure you have a solid understanding of both contentious and non-contentious construction law. Be prepared to discuss your experience with the Construction and Engineering Protocol, TCC procedures, and the Construction Act.
✨Showcase Your Client Service Skills
Highlight your ability to provide high-level client service. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships and delivered results in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Interest
Express your enthusiasm for business development and marketing initiatives. Share any relevant experiences where you've contributed to client acquisition or participated in networking events.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
As a construction solicitor, you'll need to work closely with others. Be ready to discuss your experiences as a team player and how you've collaborated on projects or supported colleagues in your previous roles.