Senior Construction and Public Sector Contracts Lawyer

Senior Construction and Public Sector Contracts Lawyer

Freelance 60 - 70 £ / hour (est.) Home office (partial)
Broughton Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead on high-value contracts and advise on construction and public sector projects.
  • Company: Join a dynamic legal team in a hybrid working environment.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working, and exposure to senior leadership.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career progression and mentoring junior lawyers.
  • Why this job: Work on complex, high-profile projects that make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with strong experience in commercial and construction law.

The predicted salary is between 60 - 70 £ per hour.

Location: Dagenham (Hybrid working arrangements)

Day Rate: 60 - 70 per hour Umbrella

Duration: 6 months initially with scope for extension

We are seeking an experienced senior Commercial Lawyer to join our client's legal team, with a particular focus on commercial contracts, construction matters and public sector projects. The role will involve advising on high value and strategically important commercial and infrastructure matters across a broad range of services and stakeholders. This is a senior position suited to a commercial minded lawyer who is confident operating autonomously, managing risk pragmatically and supporting senior leadership on complex legal and contractual issues.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading on advising internal stakeholders, drafting, negotiation and management of commercial contracts, construction contracts and public sector agreements
  • Advising on construction and infrastructure projects, including procurement strategy, contract structuring and delivery risk.
  • Drafting and negotiating industry-standard construction documentation including JCT, NEC, professional appointments, collateral warranties, framework agreements and consultant appointments.
  • Advising on contentious and non-contentious construction matters including delay, extensions of time, defects, payment disputes, contract interpretation and variation issues.
  • Providing legal advice on public procurement matters, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public law requirements.
  • Supporting procurement exercises, framework arrangements, direct awards and contract modifications.
  • Developing and improving legal templates, governance processes and contract management practices.
  • Supporting corporate governance and compliance activities across the organisation.
  • Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and legal staff where appropriate.

Essential Experience and Skills

  • Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent common law qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience.
  • Strong commercial contracts background.
  • Significant experience in construction law and infrastructure projects.
  • Strong understanding of public sector contracting and procurement law.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating JCT and/or NEC contracts.
  • Experience advising public bodies, utilities, local authorities, housing organisations or regulated industries.
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Ability to provide commercially pragmatic and solutions-focused advice.
  • Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong technical drafting ability and attention to detail.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience advising on energy, utilities, regeneration or infrastructure projects.
  • In-house legal experience.
  • Experience managing disputes and claims arising from construction projects.
  • Familiarity with subsidy control, governance and regulatory compliance.
  • Experience supervising junior lawyers or managing legal teams.

Personal Attributes

  • Commercially astute and pragmatic.
  • Confident decision-maker.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Organised and capable of managing competing priorities.
  • Able to balance legal risk with operational realities.
  • Collaborative but capable of challenging where necessary.

Salary and Benefits

  • 60 - 70 per hour Umbrella
  • Hybrid/flexible working.
  • Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile projects.
  • Senior leadership exposure and progression opportunities.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Senior Construction and Public Sector Contracts Lawyer employer: Broughton Group

Join a dynamic legal team in Dagenham, where you will have the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile construction and public sector projects. Our hybrid working arrangements promote a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will receive exposure to senior leadership and opportunities for professional development. With a collaborative culture that values your expertise and encourages innovation, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding environment for our legal professionals.

Broughton Group

Contact Details:

Broughton Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Construction and Public Sector Contracts Lawyer

Networking in Legal Circles

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Start a blog or contribute articles to legal websites or forums. Sharing your insights on current legal issues can set you apart and draw attention from those needing your services. Plus, it builds your credibility in the freelance market.

Client Pipeline Essentials

Create a clear portfolio that highlights your previous legal work and client testimonials. Make sure it’s easy to find on your website. This will help potential clients see what you can do for them and build trust before they even reach out.

Keep an Eye on Job Boards

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Construction and Public Sector Contracts Lawyer

Commercial Contracts
Construction Law
Public Sector Contracting
Procurement Law
JCT Contract Drafting
NEC Contract Drafting
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Specialisation:In the legal sector, it's all about the details. Be sure to highlight your specific areas of law, such as corporate, criminal, or family law, in your CV. Mention any relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience that clearly demonstrate your expertise in these fields.

Tailor Your Portfolio:For a freelance legal role, having a solid portfolio is essential. Include samples of your work like case studies, legal briefs, or articles you've written. Make sure they showcase your abilities and knowledge, as they'll give potential clients a clear idea of what you bring to the table.

Flexibility and Availability:When applying as a freelancer, be open about your availability and willingness to adapt. Include your preferred working hours and how you manage multiple clients. Flexibility can be a huge draw for potential clients, so let them know you’re the go-to person they can rely on.

Engage With Your Potential Clients:Take the time to craft personalised cover letters for each application. Mention how your unique skills can benefit Broughton Group specifically. This engagement shows that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their team from day one.

How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group

Showcase Your Legal Expertise

As a freelancer in the legal field, it’s essential to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in specific areas of law relevant to Broughton Group. Have a few examples ready of cases you've worked on or legal research you've conducted that showcases your expertise—whether it's contract law, intellectual property, or another niche.

Pitch Your Portfolio of Success

Bring along a portfolio that highlights your previous freelance work and successes. Include testimonials from clients, sample contracts you’ve navigated, or any articles you've published in legal journals. This not only shows your ability to deliver results but also your capacity for maintaining professional relationships.

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Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. This might involve ways to navigate tricky legal situations or ethical dilemmas. Be ready to think on your feet and showcase your problem-solving skills—even if it’s hypothetical, your approach matters!

Know Your Worth—And State It

When in discussions about your rates, be confident in what you bring to the table. Know the market rates for freelancers in your legal specialty and be prepared to justify your pricing based on your experience and case successes. Practice how you'll communicate this effectively during your chat with Broughton Group.