At a Glance
- Tasks: Support exciting government and infrastructure projects in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join a top-rated firm recognised for its inclusive culture and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a lawyer bonus.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with project agreement experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an opportunity for an Associate to join our Projects & Infrastructure team in Birmingham to support our strong portfolio of domestic government project work and energy and infrastructure project work.
About the Team
Our Projects & Infrastructure (P&I) team, operating out of Birmingham, London and Dubai, is recruiting an adaptable Associate in Birmingham to support our strong portfolio of government project work and developer‑side project development work in the UK. The team is recognised in major legal directories for the strength of its projects practice and has won recognition in recent years in a number of industry awards. Our partners and associates bring specialist skills in commercial contracts, procurement, project finance, construction contracts, and sector knowledge such as defence or nuclear. The team collaborates with specialist groups as needed, offering an exciting prospect for lawyers in private practice or in‑house roles, particularly those in government, nuclear, or defence sectors. The team advises on government projects and the development aspects of energy and infrastructure projects domestically and internationally – especially in Africa, Central Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
About the Role
The role involves advising on a range of UK domestic energy, infrastructure and defence projects. The team manages work advising government clients and sponsors/developers on procurement, contract, construction, and operation arrangements. Examples of current work you could be involved in:
- Advising Highways England on the flagship A303 Stonehenge project to deliver a tunnel in a World Heritage Site
- Advising the UK Ministry of Defence on nationally significant defence programmes
- Advising on a number of nuclear decommissioning mandates in the UK
- Advising on PFI and PPP projects including handback
About You
The ideal candidate is a qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 2 years' PQE. You will have:
- Experience of advising on project agreements including PPP/PFI, PPAs, EPC contracts and O&M Agreements
- Experience of UK public procurements (PCR) and running competitive procurements is desirable, but not essential
- Experience of negotiating contracts in a single‑source environment (SSCR) is desirable but not essential
- Government and/or nuclear sector experience (including in‑house) is also of interest
- Project management skills
- A willingness to get involved in business development
What We Can Offer You
The opportunity to work for a firm recognised as one of the top 10 best places to work in the UK and ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years.
- A hybrid approach to office and remote working
- Excellent benefits, including:
- Lawyer bonus
- 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week’s extra annual leave
- Private medical insurance, with the option to add family members
- A generous pension allowance
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes
- A range of health and wellbeing programmes
- Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development
Equal Opportunities
Gowling WLG is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re‑assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.
Any offers we make will be conditional subject to clearance by the SRA, evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and DBS clearance.
Associate - Projects & Infrastructure (Birmingham) employer: Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the top 10 best places to work in the UK for 26 consecutive years. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training and personal development, a hybrid working model, and an array of benefits including generous annual leave and private medical insurance, the Birmingham office offers a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers associates to thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful government and infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Projects & Infrastructure (Birmingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Know their recent work, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out as someone who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Associate in Projects & Infrastructure. Highlight any relevant project management experience or knowledge of government contracts to show you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining the team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Projects & Infrastructure (Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate role. Highlight your experience with project agreements and any relevant government or nuclear sector work. We want to see how your skills align with our Projects & Infrastructure team!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about specific projects you've worked on. If you’ve advised on procurement or contract negotiations, share those stories! We love hearing about real-world applications of your skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your Projects & Infrastructure
Familiarise yourself with the key projects and infrastructure initiatives that the team is involved in, especially those related to government and energy sectors. Being able to discuss specific projects like the A303 Stonehenge project or defence programmes will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience with project agreements, particularly PPP/PFI contracts and public procurements. If you have any background in the nuclear or defence sectors, be ready to discuss how that experience can benefit the team.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since project management skills are a plus for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Discuss your approach to handling challenges and ensuring successful outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively.
✨Engage in Business Development Conversations
Express your willingness to get involved in business development activities. Think of ideas or strategies you could bring to the table that could help the team grow its portfolio. This shows initiative and a proactive mindset, which is highly valued.
