Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate Construction - Any office in Stoke-on-Trent

Harrison‑Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for, for the third year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to work for list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to work for in the Law sector — achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace. We are an employer of choice because we have a culture that challenges the conventional law firm approach and focuses our energy on getting great results for our clients, while attracting and developing brilliant people.

About the Construction Team

Our specialist Construction Department is led by Katherine Sibley, a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer. The team provides high‑quality legal services across the construction industry, working with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, local councils and residential homeowners.

Non‑contentious expertise

• Drafting suites of construction documentation including contracts, subcontractor terms, professional appointments, collateral warranties, parent company guarantees, performance bonds, pre‑construction services agreements and letters of reliance.
• The team are experts in JCT, NEC, IChemE, and FIDIC contracts.
• The team assists the commercial property team in advising on agreements for lease, licences for works and development agreements.
• The team also assists the corporate and commercial teams providing risk reviews for clients, advice on procurement methods, supplier terms.

Contentious expertise

• Handling disputes such as breach of contract, loss & expense, delay & disruption claims, professional negligence, and adjudication enforcement.
• The team is experienced in running and defending claims in the Technology & Construction Court including Part 8 claims and in ADR processes including adjudication, arbitration, and mediation.
• The team advice on risk avoidance, risk management and debt recovery.

Opportunity

We are looking to recruit a qualified Solicitor Associate/Senior Associate (minimum 3 years PQE) with proven construction law experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Take on an existing caseload immediately.
• Play a key role in the growth and development of the team across the respective offices.
• Work flexibly, with remote working options available.

Typical Duties

• Managing a busy and varied caseload.
• Liaising with supervisors to balance workload.
• Delivering excellent client service and building long‑term relationships.
• Supporting and supervising junior team members and support staff.
• Collaborating effectively with other service line teams.
• Contributing to team objectives and knowledge development.
• Producing high‑quality legal advice and documentation.
• Helping to develop a precedent bank.
• Writing blogs and LinkedIn posts on construction law developments.
• Promoting Harrison Drury’s values internally and externally.
• Providing or assisting with training sessions for clients (optional).
• Performing seminars for clients and targets (optional).

Skills & Experience

• Ability to manage own caseload with minimal supervision.
• Minimum of 3 years PQE within a construction department.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise work to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and IT skills.
• Strong client‑facing skills and commercial awareness.
• Proven business development ability, with a track record of building networks.
• Solid understanding of construction law and experience across a wide range of matters.
• Experience in both contentious and non‑contentious construction matters.
• Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.

Benefits

• Commitment to a maximum of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum.
• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review.
• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Holiday entitlement increases with length of service.
• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year).
• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence.
• Free individual or mirror Wills.
• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process.
• Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm.
• Work alongside recognised experts in the field.
• Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in staff development and wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team.