At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a caseload of construction work and assist with disputes and risk management.
- Company: Join Weightmans, a leading firm recognised for its innovative legal services in construction law.
- Benefits: Enjoy extensive training opportunities, an employee bonus scheme, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects and develop your career in a dynamic, award-winning environment.
- Qualifications: 1YR+ PQE experience with strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Preferred locations are Liverpool, Newcastle, or Birmingham.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Forming part of our Real Estate Department, the Weightmans Construction team is a nationally recognised practice providing a complete range of legal and advisory services on all aspects of construction law. The team acts for private and public sector clients including developers, healthcare providers, education institutions, transport authorities, main contractors, sub-contractors, manufacturers, and consultants. We act across a wide range of sectors with clients involved in commercial development, student accommodation, local government, transport, education, health, utilities, energy, investment, housebuilding, and manufacturing.
We advise on construction risk management from procurement to completion (and beyond). The team is involved in a range of projects from multi-million pound developments to high value, multi-party, complex disputes. The team has dealt with many high-profile projects.
From a non-contentious perspective, the Construction team drafts and negotiates on all the major standard forms of contract, including JCT and NEC4, including advising on procurement and funding and contract management. From a contentious (disputes) perspective, the construction team advises and acts on all forms of construction dispute resolution, including adjudication, arbitration, proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court, mediation, and expert determination.
The team can use collaborative and innovative technology to deliver client needs in a time and cost effective way, benefiting from the input of the award-winning innovation team at Weightmans. Both the team and individuals within the team are regularly recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a leading firm and leading partners and associates. The team and the firm are committed to staff development, offering extensive opportunities for training and professional development in both legal and more commercial issues, with clear paths for progression. Weightmans offers an employee bonus scheme.
We are currently recruiting for a 1YR+ PQE Solicitor to join our Construction team. Liverpool, Newcastle, or Birmingham are the preferred locations for this role. The team are seeking a candidate to manage a caseload and assist other case handlers with their caseloads undertaking a mix of contentious and non-contentious work on behalf of the types of client referred to above.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload of construction work
- Assist other members of the team with their caseloads of construction work (contentious and non-contentious)
- Draft contracts, agreements, correspondence, pleadings, witness statements, instructions to counsel, attendance notes (without limitation)
- Advise and assist clients with disputes and risk management
- Advise and assist clients with dispute resolution including (among others) adjudication and mediation.
- Carry out other case handling advice and duties
- Work with the members of the existing Construction team to develop client relationships and business opportunities
- Achieve set financial and chargeable targets and KPIs
- Ensure relevant deadlines and quality measures are adhered to
About You:
You will have previous experience and a genuine and demonstrable interest in the above area of work. We also require you to have/be:
- 1YR+ PQE experience
- Experience of and familiarity with construction work is an advantage
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- Strong academics and technical knowledge
- Excellent IT and typing skills
- Excellent time management and organisation skills
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets
- Flexible approach
Solicitor employer: Weightmans
Contact Detail:
Weightmans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legal frameworks and standard forms of contract used in construction law, such as JCT and NEC4. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction law sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with current solicitors and learn about their experiences. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments and case law in construction disputes. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in the industry will set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to continuous learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to both contentious and non-contentious construction work. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you successfully managed disputes or drafted contracts.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in construction law. Include specific examples of cases you've managed, types of contracts you've drafted, and any dispute resolution methods you've employed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your genuine interest in the role and the firm. Discuss why you are drawn to Weightmans and how your skills align with their needs, particularly in managing both contentious and non-contentious work.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires excellent teamwork, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients, especially in high-pressure situations.
Highlight Your Technical Knowledge: Emphasise your understanding of construction law, including familiarity with standard forms of contract like JCT and NEC4. Mention any relevant training or certifications that showcase your technical expertise.
How to prepare for a job interview at Weightmans
✨Showcase Your Construction Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of construction law, including standard forms of contract like JCT and NEC4. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to the role, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with other team members, highlight your teamwork and communication skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in both contentious and non-contentious contexts. Think about how you would handle specific disputes or risk management scenarios, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your career goals.