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- Tasks: Join our Construction & Engineering team to handle complex legal disputes and contracts.
- Company: Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible work options, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in construction law with experience in disputes and contracts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong mentorship and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
We are seeking a specialist contentious skill set from a candidate who has ideally 8+ 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.
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: 30 days holiday (FTE) plus
Senior Associate employer: Birketts
Contact Detail:
Birketts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Birketts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Birketts' recent cases and their Next Level Law approach. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in construction disputes. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Birketts team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in construction law and any specific disputes you've handled. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it’s a case you won or a project you led, we love to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles. This helps us understand what you can bring to Birketts.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a collegiate culture and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your motivations and why you’re excited about joining our team at Birketts!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our firm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on the industry standard form contracts like JCT and NEC. Be ready to discuss your experience with these contracts and how you've navigated disputes in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the terms, but you can also apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Dispute Resolution Skills
Prepare examples of your experience with adjudication, litigation, and arbitration. Think about specific cases where you successfully resolved disputes and be ready to explain your approach. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Team Ethos
Birketts values a strong team culture, so highlight your collaborative experiences. Share stories that showcase how you've worked effectively within a team, supported colleagues, or contributed to a positive work environment. This will resonate well with their collegiate culture.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Birketts' commitment to ESG and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but you want to be part of their mission.
