At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on and negotiate construction contracts for diverse clients in a dynamic team.
- Company: Leading UK law firm with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and opportunities on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make an impact in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in Construction with strong drafting and negotiation skills.
A leading UK law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join its highly regarded Construction team in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity to take on high value, non contentious construction work within a dynamic, forward thinking and collaborative Real Estate practice.
The Role
You will work closely with Partners and senior lawyers across the team, acting for a wide range of public and private sector clients across the construction supply chain. The role is primarily focused on non contentious construction matters, though candidates with the ability and willingness to undertake contentious work are also encouraged to apply.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on and negotiating construction contracts, appointments and ancillary documents
- Reviewing and advising on contract terms for employer and client side organisations
- Drafting across a range of contract suites including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, IChemE, EPCs, O&Ms, bespoke agreements and collateral documents
- Supporting high value regional and national development projects across sectors including energy, infrastructure, health, education, commercial and consumer brands
- Working collaboratively with clients, consultants and project teams both in person and via Teams
- Managing a varied and fast paced caseload with support from Partners and Managing Associates
Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a lawyer with:
- At least 5 years' PQE in Construction and Engineering
- Strong experience in non contentious construction matters (contentious experience beneficial)
- Extensive drafting and negotiation experience across major contract families
- Experience acting for funders, employers, contractors and consultants
- Strong commercial awareness and a proactive, solutions focused approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively within a busy team
- Motivation, initiative and a genuine interest in business development
Benefits
The firm offers:
- A flexible, friendly and inclusive working environment
- Agile working arrangements to support work-life balance
- Access to Michelmores Academy, a comprehensive development framework offering workshops, digital learning, mentoring and career progression support
- Opportunities to work on high profile, complex national projects
- A collaborative culture that values creativity, commercial thinking and personal growth
How to Apply
If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:
Olivia Reed - Senior Consultant
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.
*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*
Locations
Senior Associate - Construction - Exeter - 5+ Years PQE employer: Chadwick Nott
Chadwick Nott is an exceptional employer that prioritises both professional growth and a supportive work culture. As a Private Client Partner in Dorset, you will enjoy the autonomy to manage your own caseload while receiving mentorship opportunities to develop junior lawyers, all within a diverse and inclusive environment that values high-quality client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Construction - Exeter - 5+ Years PQE
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Chadwick Nott, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Associate - Construction - Exeter - 5+ Years PQE at Chadwick Nott.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Construction - Exeter - 5+ Years PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!