At a Glance
- Tasks: Support ambitious businesses in navigating complex construction projects and legal arrangements.
- Company: Altern8 Legal, a flexible legal service provider for ambitious businesses.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, interesting projects, and the chance to shape your career.
- Other info: Opportunity for interim or permanent roles with a focus on career flexibility.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing sector and make a real impact on international developments.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years’ PQE in non-contentious construction law and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Help ambitious businesses build, scale, and navigate change. Altern8 Legal was built around the belief that ambitious businesses should be able to access exceptional senior legal expertise flexibly, while experienced lawyers should have greater ownership over how, where, and with whom they work. We are partnering with a major international data centre developer and operator seeking an experienced construction lawyer to support an expanding portfolio of technically complex development projects.
This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the data centre lifecycle, supporting the legal arrangements behind the design, construction, delivery, and operation of major sites across an international business. The opportunity could be structured as either an interim consulting engagement or a permanent appointment. The client would ideally like someone able to start at relatively short notice.
The role
You will work closely with the legal, development, procurement, engineering, and operational teams, providing practical legal support throughout the delivery of major construction projects. The work is expected to include:
- Drafting and negotiating design, build, engineering, and construction contracts
- Advising on contractor, consultant, architect, and professional appointments
- Supporting procurement exercises, tenders, and supplier negotiations
- Negotiating framework agreements, master services agreements, work orders, and statements of work
- Advising on operations, maintenance, facilities management, and other post-construction arrangements
- Supporting project teams on contractual risk, liability, warranties, insurance, delays, variations, and delivery issues
- Working with technical and commercial stakeholders to develop pragmatic solutions
- Coordinating external advisers where specialist or jurisdiction-specific advice is required
- Developing templates, processes, and contracting frameworks that can be used consistently across multiple projects
About you
We would be particularly interested in speaking with lawyers who have:
- Strong front-end, non-contentious construction experience
- Approximately 6-10 years’ PQE, or an equivalent level of relevant experience
- Experience drafting and negotiating design-and-build contracts, professional appointments, consultancy agreements, and related project documentation
- A practical understanding of how major construction and engineering projects are procured, contracted, and delivered
- The confidence to work directly with engineers, project managers, procurement teams, contractors, consultants, and suppliers
- A commercially focused and solutions-oriented approach
- The ability to operate autonomously within a fast-moving international environment
Direct data centre experience would be particularly valuable, but it is not essential. We would also welcome applications from lawyers with strong experience across major infrastructure, energy, utilities, engineering, industrial, logistics, telecommunications, or other technically complex developments. Experience with recognised construction-contracting frameworks, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, EPC, or comparable international forms, would also be helpful.
Why this opportunity?
Data centres sit at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, construction, energy, and AI. This role offers the opportunity to apply your construction expertise within one of the fastest-growing and most strategically important areas of the global economy. You will have the chance to work closely with the business, contribute directly to significant international developments, and help shape how projects are contracted and delivered.
Working with Altern8 Legal
We work with senior lawyers who want access to genuinely interesting, business-critical work without being constrained by a traditional career model. Depending on the opportunity, our lawyers may work on an interim, fractional, project-based, or longer-term basis. We aim to provide transparency around the work, commercial arrangements, and client expectations, and we stay closely involved throughout each engagement. Joining our network is non-exclusive, and there is no obligation to accept any opportunity that is not right for you. If this sounds like the kind of work you would enjoy, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please apply with your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure employer: Altern8 Legal
Altern8 Legal is an exceptional employer that empowers senior lawyers to take ownership of their work while providing access to high-stakes, business-critical projects in the dynamic field of land development and site acquisitions. With a flexible work culture that values autonomy and collaboration, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and the chance to engage with major international developments in a rapidly evolving sector. Located at the forefront of the data centre industry, this role offers a unique platform to influence significant infrastructure projects and build lasting relationships with senior stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Altern8 Legal, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Altern8 Legal, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Altern8 Legal and the specific role of Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Altern8 Legal’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altern8 Legal
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Altern8 Legal.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Altern8 Legal.
