An opportunity to help shape the places where we live, work and connect.
For a construction lawyer looking to move in-house, or an existing in-house counsel seeking something with greater international exposure, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
We are working with a highly successful, internationally established real estate investment and development business on an exciting opportunity to join its legal team.
Operating at the forefront of the built environment, the business has an impressive European development platform and a reputation for delivering ambitious, complex and high-profile projects.
This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional legal advisory work and become genuinely embedded in the commercial and strategic decisions behind major real estate developments.
You’ll be close to the projects, close to the decision-makers and involved from concept through to completion.
The opportunity
Working as part of a collaborative international legal team, you will support a diverse portfolio of European development projects, advising on the legal and commercial considerations that arise throughout the construction and development lifecycle.
The role offers an interesting combination of transactional work, commercial negotiation, project delivery and strategic advice.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Drafting and negotiating construction, design, engineering and associated project agreements.
- Advising on procurement strategies, tendering processes and different project delivery structures.
- Supporting development teams on contractual and commercial challenges, including variations, delays, defects and potential disputes.
- Working alongside investment, development, construction and commercial teams to structure transactions and manage project risk.
- Developing and improving contractual frameworks, precedents and processes across the European platform.
- Managing relationships with external legal advisers across different jurisdictions.
- Providing commercially focused advice to senior stakeholders on a wide range of development-related matters.
- What makes this particularly interesting is the breadth of exposure.
Who are we looking for?
We would be interested in speaking with construction lawyers with approximately 4–8 years' PQE , although the quality and relevance of experience will be more important than a rigid PQE requirement.
You may currently be working within a leading law firm’s construction practice, or you may already have made the move in-house.
Strong experience of non-contentious construction work will be particularly relevant, alongside an ability to navigate the commercial and practical challenges associated with complex development projects.
You will need to be confident, pragmatic and comfortable working directly with senior stakeholders, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
An international outlook, an entrepreneurial approach and a genuine interest in the real estate and development sector will be particularly attractive.
Previous European transactional experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why consider it?
There are plenty of construction legal roles. Far fewer offer this combination of international exposure, commercial involvement and genuine influence over major development projects.
This opportunity offers:
- A move closer to the business – working directly with the people making investment, development and construction decisions.
- International exposure – involvement in projects across a substantial European platform.
- A varied and stimulating workload – combining sophisticated transactional work with commercial problem-solving.
- Real responsibility and autonomy – the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to projects rather than simply provide legal support.
- A highly regarded business – joining an established international organisation with significant expertise, resources and ambition.
- Long-term career development – scope to broaden your commercial experience and develop within a sophisticated in-house legal function.
- Interested in exploring something different?
Whether you are actively considering an in-house move or simply curious about opportunities that might offer a different dimension to your construction expertise, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
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Non-Contentious Construction Associate 4–8 PQE | In-House | European Real Estate Platform – London employer: Ardent
Ardent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health care support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant city of Leeds. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.
