At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on construction and development matters for exciting projects.
- Company: Join Dandara, a leading UK property developer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Excellent career progression opportunities in a supportive in-house legal team.
- Why this job: Gain genuine responsibility and mentorship while working on high-profile developments.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with around 2 years' PQE in construction law.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join one of the UK's leading property developers
Are you a Construction Lawyer looking to move in-house or continue developing your career within a commercial, fast-paced environment?
At Dandara, we're looking for a talented solicitor with around two years' post-qualification experience to join our growing Legal team.
This is an outstanding opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of residential and build to rent developments across the UK.
Working alongside an experienced Head of Legal and an established in-house legal team, you'll become a trusted legal adviser to the business, supporting projects from land acquisition through to construction and completion.
If you're looking for genuine responsibility, excellent mentoring and exposure to high-quality development work without the pressures of private practice billing targets, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
You'll provide commercially focused legal advice across a wide range of construction and development matters, supporting colleagues across Construction, Commercial, Technical, Land, Sales and Operations.
Your work will include
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction documentation including:
- Building contracts
- Consultant appointments
- Collateral warranties
- Parent company guarantees
- Performance bonds
- Novation agreements
- Deeds of variation and assignment
- Letters of reliance
- Related construction and development documentation
- Advising project teams on legal and commercial risks associated with live developments.
- Supporting land acquisitions and disposals by reviewing construction documentation and responding to legal enquiries.
- Working closely with external solicitors on specialist construction matters.
- Assisting with affordable housing, infrastructure and wider development arrangements where construction issues arise.
- Helping to improve legal templates, processes and guidance across the business.
- Providing practical legal advice that enables projects to progress efficiently while managing risk.
- Keeping up to date with changes in construction law and building safety legislation.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and becoming part of the commercial decision-making process.
You'll ideally have
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
- Around 2 years' PQE (applications from those with slightly more or less experience are welcomed).
- Experience in construction law gained within private practice or an in-house legal team.
- Experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to explain complex legal issues in a practical way.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- It would be great if you also have
- Experience acting for developers, housebuilders or contractors.
- Knowledge of JCT contracts and associated construction documentation.
- Experience supporting residential development projects.
- Exposure to construction due diligence on acquisitions and disposals.
- Previous in-house experience or a genuine desire to move in-house.
- An understanding of building safety legislation and development delivery.
Why Dandara?
Dandara is one of the UK's most respected independent property developers, delivering high-quality homes, Build to Rent communities and regeneration projects across the UK.
Joining our Legal team means you'll
- Work on high-profile, complex residential developments.
- Enjoy genuine variety across construction, development and commercial legal work.
- Be supported by experienced in-house lawyers committed to your development.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business.
- Develop a long-term in-house legal career with excellent progression opportunities.
- Enjoy a collaborative culture where legal is seen as a valued commercial partner.
What we offer
- In return, we offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary per annum depending on experience
- Discretionary bonus
- 33 days' holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Health Hero digital GP and Health Assured Wisdom App
- Competitive parental leave
- 3x salary life assurance (option to increase to 4x)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employer-matched pension up to 5%
- Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking, and reduced gym memberships
Ready to build your career with Dandara?
If you're looking for an opportunity to work on exciting residential developments while developing your career within a highly regarded in-house legal team, we'd love to hear from you.
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Construction Lawyer employer: Dandara Living
Dandara Living is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a structured training programme tailored for aspiring professionals in the housebuilding sector. Located in the vibrant city of Milton Keynes, our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. With a focus on hands-on experience in procurement and cost management, this role not only provides a solid foundation for your career but also opens doors to future opportunities within the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Dandara Living, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Dandara Living, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Dandara Living and the specific role of Construction Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Dandara Living’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dandara Living
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Dandara Living.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Dandara Living.
