Legal Counsel - Construction in Reading

Legal Counsel - Construction in Reading

Reading Full-Time No working from home possible
Atomic Weapons Establishment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal support on complex construction contracts and manage legal risks.
  • Company: Join AWE, a leader in infrastructure and national safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects that keep the nation safe.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with 6+ years of experience.

AWE is a multi-site business operating at Aldermaston, Burghfield, Green Park (Reading) and London. We offer hybrid working, a combination of home and onsite office presence.

Package: £63,270 - £98,000 for a suitably experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in the areas required for this role.

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

We are looking for a non-contentious construction lawyer with at least 6-year PQE in private practice or in-house of complex construction and infrastructure projects, and with good knowledge of NEC to join the AWE Legal Team. You will be joining the business as the UK government enables us to make a significant investment in our infrastructure through our Infrastructure Programme Delivery team (IPD). This includes two major areas – the Future Materials Campus (FMC), a series of facilities needed to maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent for years to come, and Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP), which covers upgrades to our non-fissile facilities.

For this role we need you:

  • to be currently admitted as a solicitor or barrister in at least one UK jurisdiction.
  • to have expertise in reviewing, drafting, negotiating and providing on-going legal support on complex construction contracts using NEC.
  • to be experienced in managing legal risks on large-scale projects and in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • to be able to provide strategic advice to AWE teams and executives in planning complex future projects.
  • to be willing to keep the business updated on relevant changes in construction law and legislation.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

  • 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
  • Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
  • Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
  • Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
  • Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
  • Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
  • Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

  • We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
  • You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
  • We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
  • Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

Legal Counsel - Construction in Reading employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment

As a Quality Inspector Apprentice, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive work culture. With a competitive starting salary and generous benefits, including a market-leading pension scheme and extensive holiday entitlement, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders while contributing to vital national security initiatives in the Aldermaston/Reading area. This apprenticeship not only provides hands-on experience but also fosters personal growth through academic studies and practical application of engineering principles.

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Contact Details:

Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Construction in Reading

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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Construction in Reading

Legal Expertise in Construction Law
Negotiation Skills
Contract Drafting and Review
Knowledge of NEC Contracts
Risk Management
Stakeholder Collaboration
Strategic Legal Advice

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Atomic Weapons Establishment, 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 Atomic Weapons Establishment and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Construction. 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 Atomic Weapons Establishment’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment

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 Atomic Weapons Establishment.

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 Atomic Weapons Establishment.