Legal Counsel (Home based)

Help shape the UK's energy future with a Senior Legal Counsel opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), supporting Sizewell C. As part of the CWA, you will support the building of Sizewell C, a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes.

As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide strategic legal support, guidance, and management to the Sizewell C Civil Works Alliance on contractual matters throughout all phases of the civil works programme of the Sizewell C project. This role requires experience in construction law, ideally in high-value energy/infrastructure projects, and familiarity with NEC contracts and U.K. laws and regulations.

You will work closely with the CWA's Lead Legal Counsel, internal teams, project & partners stakeholders, and external advisors to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and protect the Civil Works Alliance's interests.

• Contractual Advisory & Compliance: Assist with drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, consultant appointments and NDAs in line with project requirements and goals. Work closely with members of the Procurement and Commercial teams to put in place required contracts and subcontracts within required project timescales and to help achieve project goals. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, industry regulations, and project-specific requirements. Advise project teams on legal issues, potential risks, and mitigations. Assist in developing the CWA's suite of contracts (based on NEC contracts) to be used when procuring works/service from the supply chain. Help create processes, policies and documentation to embed key contractual requirements into the day-to-day operations of the Civil Works Alliance.
• Risk Management & Dispute Resolution: Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Internally manage disputes, claims, and litigation that may arise during the project. Liaise with external counsel as appropriate. Serve as a point of contact for dispute resolution processes, collaborating with external counsel as necessary.
• Documentation & Record Management: Oversee the preparation, documentation, and storage of all legal agreements and correspondences. Maintain accurate records to ensure easy retrieval for audits, dispute resolution, and compliance checks.
• Regulatory Monitoring & Policy Development: Monitor U.K. construction and contract law developments and ensure project compliance. Help to develop and implement internal policies and guidelines to enhance legal compliance and risk management practices.
• Training & Guidance: Provide training and resources to project teams on contractual rights, obligations, and compliance requirements. Serve as a legal point of reference, offering guidance to ensure team alignment with contractual terms and legal standards.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with 7+ years PQE in construction and major projects, gained either in-house or at a leading private practice (ideally with secondment experience).
• Experience of working on high-value energy/infrastructure projects desired, but not essential.

The CWA is a single delivery organisation made up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry-leading packages including market-leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.

The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those from under-represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV.