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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Construction team to handle complex legal matters and disputes.
- Company: Birketts LLP is a top UK law firm with over 160 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, private healthcare, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and community impact.
- Qualifications: 6+ years PQE in construction law, with experience in disputes and contracts.
- Other info: We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
Construction Senior Associate / Legal Director
Join to apply for the Construction Senior Associate / Legal Director role at Birketts LLP
The firm
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The department
Our specialist Construction and Engineering team is one of the most established and well-regarded in the regions, as reflected by our team and individual rankings in the leading legal directories, Chambers and Legal500.
Our Construction lawyers are experienced in dealing with both contentious and non-contentious construction matters, acting for a variety of both public and private sector clients, including further and higher education colleges, academies, local authorities and NHS Trusts, as well as funders, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants.
Coming from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, national and regional firms, the depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions and provide a sector-based offering for all our clients. There is a strong team ethos which also means there is support and opportunity across the spectrum, ensuring pastoral support at all levels, mentoring, regular communication and a clear route for advancement. The objective is that colleagues have a clear role but the opportunity to develop and make the role “their own”.
The team’s transactional work includes advising on industry standard form contracts (such as JCT, ICE, NEC, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS, FIDIC,and PFI/PPP forms), as well as regularly preparing and advising on bespoke forms of contract.
The team also has a buoyant and busy construction disputes practice, acting for a wide range of clients in relation to litigation, arbitration, adjudication and all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution as well as a national reputation, ranking highly in the legal directories, but with an existing client base focused primarily around London, the M25 corridor, the East of England and the Southeast, added to potential future opportunities for working on arbitrations heard in London for internationally based clients.
Purpose of job
We are seeking a specialist contentious skill set from a candidate who has ideally 6+ years PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm, or international equivalent, ideally with experience in some or all of the following:
- Knowledge of advising on potential disputes and disputes regarding the main industry standard form construction contracts, such as JCT, NEC etc.
- Experience of Adjudication, Litigation and/or Arbitration.
- Knowledge of methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits.
Equal opportunities
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays (rising to 30 days)
- Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
- Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
- Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
- Paid CSR Day
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Subsidised gym membership
- Electric car scheme
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Legal
Industries
- Law Practice
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Construction Senior Associate / Legal Director employer: Birketts LLP
Contact Detail:
Birketts LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Senior Associate / Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key industry standard form contracts mentioned in the job description, such as JCT and NEC. Understanding these contracts will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction law field, especially those who have experience with contentious matters. Attend relevant legal seminars or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends and challenges in construction law.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with various forms of dispute resolution, including adjudication and arbitration. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated disputes in past roles, as this will highlight your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Birketts LLP's recent cases and their approach to construction law. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Senior Associate / Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in construction law, particularly any contentious matters. Emphasise your familiarity with industry standard contracts like JCT and NEC, as well as your experience in adjudication, litigation, and arbitration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Birketts' values and their Next Level Law proposition. Discuss how your background aligns with their commitment to community impact and diversity, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their Construction and Engineering team.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to dispute resolution and your knowledge of alternative dispute resolution methods. Provide specific examples of past cases or projects where you successfully navigated complex legal challenges.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal profession.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the main industry standard form construction contracts like JCT and NEC. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these contracts and how you've navigated disputes related to them.
✨Showcase Your Dispute Resolution Skills
Highlight your experience in adjudication, litigation, and arbitration. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully resolved disputes in the past, demonstrating your ability to handle contentious matters.
✨Understand Birketts' Culture
Research Birketts' commitment to community impact and diversity. During the interview, express how your values align with their Next Level Law proposition and how you can contribute to their inclusive culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready about the team dynamics, mentoring opportunities, and the firm's approach to professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
