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 significant developments.
- Other info: Opportunity for interim or permanent roles with excellent career flexibility.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing sector and make a real impact on international data centre projects.
- 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 in Slough employer: Altern8 Legal
Altern8 Legal is an exceptional employer that empowers experienced lawyers to take ownership of their careers while providing access to high-calibre legal work in the dynamic field of data centres and infrastructure. With a flexible work structure, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be at the forefront of significant international projects, making a tangible impact in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure in Slough
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Altern8 Legal, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure at Altern8 Legal.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Lawyer - Data Centres and Infrastructure in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Altern8 Legal
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
