Senior / Principal Associate – Construction (Non-Contentious) in Cardiff

Our Construction team supports a wide variety of clients, from commercial clients to education, local authorities, housing associations, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants. We advise on everything from complex development agreements, drafting and negotiating construction contracts, contract interpretation, compensation event claims and dispute avoidance to construction due diligence on real estate and corporate matters. You will be joining a highly skilled team that works seamlessly within the wider real estate sector on high-profile projects and is focused on growth.

As a Senior/Principal Associate, you’ll be a key player in our Construction team. You will work alongside the Head of Construction to grow the team and be able to influence the strategy and direction for the team. Our Head of Construction specialises in non-contentious construction and dispute avoidance. She needs a reliable second in command to work with her on large, complex transactions, manage client relationships, lead negotiations, and provide strategic advice. The right candidate would have the opportunity to build and lead a contentious practice to service both existing and new clients, but a purely non-contentious candidate would not be discounted.

Key Requirements

• General skills and experience in non-contentious construction advice, drafting and advising on the following is essential: the main standard form construction contracts, in particular JCT and NEC; consultants’ appointments, collateral warranties, novation agreements, bonds, guarantees.
• Business development skills and a willingness to attend networking events is essential.
• Experience of measured term contracts, bespoke forms of contract and/or PFI/PPP/MIM contracts is beneficial but not essential.
• Experience providing construction support for other departments within the firm on wider transactions, for example real estate leases/purchases/real estate finance, corporate and commercial is beneficial.
• Contentious construction advice, including ADR, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation would be beneficial, but a purely non-contentious candidate would not be discounted.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor with a strong background in construction law (5-10 years PQE).
• Experience in non-contentious construction advice, drafting and advising on standard forms of contract is essential.
• Contentious construction experience would be beneficial, particularly if the candidate has a desire to grow and lead this area of practice, but a purely non-contentious candidate would not be discounted.
• Business development skills and a willingness to attend networking events is essential.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• A collaborative approach, comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Why Join Us?

• You will have the ability to work between home and the office in a way that works for you, your team and our clients.
• Health and wellbeing: Cycle to work scheme, in-person yoga, subsidised on-site weekly chiropractor visits and regular wellbeing events.
• We are a fast-growing and ambitious firm. We appreciate and value your ambition too. We offer a supportive career development programme, and promotion opportunities twice a year for our employees.
• Excellent rewards and benefits: Competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave entitlement with option to buy/sell annual leave, enhanced family leave, health cash plan, life assurance, recognition schemes, yoga classes, regular social events, and lots more.
• A great location and working environment: City centre offices with excellent facilities including an onsite chef in our Cardiff Office.
• We’re committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment. We encourage equality and diversity and treat all job applicants and colleagues fairly — regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or any religious or cultural beliefs, marital status and civil partnership, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and maternity. We have no tolerance for discrimination.
• Here, we can be ourselves, succeed on merit, and grow with people from all walks of life.