At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage construction legal matters while mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Reputable West End law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Manageable billable hours, recognition for business development, and career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant client exposure and autonomy in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in construction law.
- Qualifications: Experienced non-contentious construction lawyer with strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
An established and highly regarded West End law firm is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Associate or Legal Director into its growing Construction practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior construction lawyer looking for high-quality work, genuine responsibility and progression, without the billing expectations typically associated with larger City practices.
The Construction team sits within a broader, well-established Property practice and advises clients across a wide range of development, construction and remediation projects.
The Role
The successful candidate will take a senior role within the team, managing their own matters while working closely with partners, consultants and junior lawyers. The practice is predominantly non-contentious construction, with work including:
- Drafting and negotiating building contracts, professional appointments, PCSAs, collateral warranties, guarantees and bonds
- Advising on construction aspects of development agreements and agreements for lease
- Advising clients on procurement strategies and project structures
- Providing detailed advice on contractual provisions and construction risk
- Supporting clients throughout the lifecycle of significant development and construction projects
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with developers, property owners, investors and other construction-sector clients
There is also an opportunity to undertake significant Building Safety Act and remediation work, including remediation agreements, Building Safety Fund and Cladding Safety Scheme matters and the Developer Remediation Contract.
At this level, the firm is looking for someone who can become an important part of the continued development of the practice. Alongside fee-earning, you will have the opportunity to:
- Supervise and mentor junior lawyers
- Develop existing client relationships
- Play an active role in business development
- Help shape the continued growth of the Construction practice
- Work towards further progression within a supportive partnership structure
The emphasis is equally on finding someone with the relationships, commercial mindset and appetite to develop business over time.
The Candidate
Applications are welcomed from experienced non-contentious construction lawyers operating at Senior Associate, or Legal Director level. You should have substantial experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation and be comfortable running matters with a high degree of autonomy. The firm is particularly interested in lawyers who are commercial, pragmatic and client-facing, with strong drafting skills and the ability to manage complex matters. Experience of building safety and remediation would be particularly valuable, although it is not essential. The team will also consider lawyers from appropriate common-law jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, where practising status and experience are suitable for the position.
Why Consider It?
The proposition is particularly attractive for lawyers who want to maintain sophisticated construction work while moving away from the heavier billing cultures of some larger City practices. The firm operates with a comparatively manageable billable-hour expectation, alongside meaningful recognition for business development and wider contribution to the practice. Culture is important. The team is looking for someone who wants to be visible, collaborative and engaged with colleagues and the wider firm, rather than simply operating as an individual fee-earner.
For someone with a growth mindset who wants strong client exposure, autonomy, sensible hours and a genuine opportunity to develop their position within a growing Construction practice, this offers a compelling senior-level move.
Construction Legal Director in Slough employer: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Join a leading specialist intellectual property firm that places IP at the core of its operations, offering a unique opportunity for growth and development in your legal career. With a focus on high-quality transactional work and direct mentorship from an experienced Partner, you will enjoy early responsibility, a transparent career progression framework, and the flexibility of hybrid working. This is an ideal environment for those looking to deepen their expertise in commercial and IP transactions while collaborating with a diverse range of clients from start-ups to major corporates.
Contact Details:
Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Legal Director in Slough
✨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 Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, 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 Construction Legal Director at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Legal Director in Slough
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 Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
✨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!
