solicitor / legal executive - construction - stamford, lincolnshire

We are seeking a talented and motivated Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to join our Construction team. The successful candidate will primarily work on a wide range of complex construction and engineering disputes, advising clients across the full spectrum of the construction sector — including employers, contractors, consultants, and sub-contractors but may also to a lesser extent assist with drafting building contracts, consultant appointments, other construction documentation and construction contract reviews. You will in the main be involved in a variety of disputes including technically challenging disputes arising from commercial and residential developments. The role offers exposure to adjudication, mediation, litigation (including TCC proceedings). The ideal candidate will be confident, proactive and structured and have the ability to handle pressure and work to tight deadlines. You will be committed to providing excellent client care and satisfaction.

Hours of Work: 09.00 – 17.15 hrs – Monday to Friday

Location: Stamford (open to other office locations)

Salary: Depending on Experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Acting for clients in construction and engineering disputes, including adjudication, mediation and County Court and High Court (TCC) proceedings.
• Drafting pre-action protocol correspondence.
• Liaising with clients, counsel, experts, and other stakeholders throughout the dispute resolution process.
• Providing strategic legal advice on construction contracts and risk management.
• Drafting and reviewing pleadings, witness statements, expert reports, and settlement agreements.
• Managing adjudications and assisting with enforcement proceedings.
• Supporting senior fee earners and partners in complex, multi-party disputes.
• To a lesser extent reviewing and drafting construction contracts and associated documents including such as construction consultant appointments, building contracts, collateral warranties and third party rights.
• Contributing to business development, including client seminars, articles, and thought leadership in the construction sector.
• Maintaining a strong awareness of industry trends, legal developments, and case law in construction and engineering.

Key Duties:

• To provide an ongoing service to existing clients.
• To work with Partners and other Fee Earners to develop new business.
• Develop and enhance the Construction Department, maximising cross referrals across all offices and areas of the business.
• To produce fee income in line with targets and agreed objectives.
• To keep informed of all changes in the Law and Practice in own area of work.
• Maintain and enhance up to date legal skills.
• Financial control with particular regard to cash flow control through collection of monies on account and billing procedures.
• Maintaining accurate daily records of time spent on client and internal work.
• Perform fee earning work accurately, reliably and in accordance with the company's quality and risk procedures.

Essential Person Specification:

• Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive.
• Experience within Dispute Resolution.
• Experience within Law Firm.
• Experience in construction law.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel and high levels of computer literacy.
• Knowledge of case management systems.
• Clear understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering Regulations.
• Previous experience of SOS.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with confidence.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management abilities.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented approach with a proactive and commercial mindset.

Attributes:

• Excellent communication and client relationship management abilities.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented approach with a proactive and commercial mindset.
• Willing to be flexible to meet the needs of the business.

Other:

• Team player.
• Must have full driving licence and access to a vehicle during working hours.

Why work at Chattertons:

Founded in 1856, Chattertons is one of the UK's oldest and most respected law firms, proudly serving communities across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. As a Top 200 law firm, we offer a comprehensive range of legal and financial services to individuals and businesses, with particular expertise in commercial property, corporate law, dispute resolution, and agriculture. Our commitment to excellence is matched by our dedication to local engagement—many of our team members actively contribute to the community as trustees, governors, and business advocates.

Benefits: Some of the great benefits that we offer include:

Chattertons recognises that it is essential to provide equal opportunities to all persons without discrimination. The firm has an Equality and Diversity Policy and this sets out the firm's position on equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. This is available upon request. Please refer to our privacy policy for information regarding how your personal data is processed.