At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on construction and engineering disputes, both nationally and internationally.
- Company: One of the UK's leading law firms with a focus on people and businesses.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension schemes, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace committed to social responsibility and community investment.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to complex projects and develop your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 1-3 years' PQE in construction and engineering.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference. Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.
Your Role and What You'll Be Doing
You’ll join Irwin Mitchell’s nationally recognised Construction & Engineering team, led by Partner, Vijay Bange. This role can be based in any of our London, Birmingham, Leeds or Manchester offices and offers the opportunity to work as part of a national practice advising clients both in the UK and internationally across major construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure projects.
Our contentious construction and engineering lawyers support a wide variety of clients on all manner of projects both in the UK and across the world. Our work includes extensive dispute avoidance advice throughout the life of a project, supporting clients through both established and bespoke ADR processes, and representing clients before all manner of domestic and international tribunals. The team is known for combining specialist technical knowledge with practical, commercial advice that helps clients manage risk and keep projects moving.
Our rapidly growing team is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals interested in working with a close-knit team on a broad range of projects, from advising individual clients on domestic matters to representing leading global companies on major international infrastructure projects.
In this role, your responsibilities will include:
- Working with a partner-led team advising on a very broad range of contentious construction and engineering matters
- Working with colleagues to provide clients with pragmatic, commercial dispute avoidance advice and strategies designed to manage and minimise risk
- Supporting clients through negotiations, mediations and other non-adversarial forms of alternative dispute resolution
- Advising on disputes involving all manner of delays, disruptions, defects, payment issues, professional negligence and contractor or consultant claims
- Assisting with adjudications, litigation, domestic and international arbitrations and other forms of dispute resolution where matters escalate
- Working directly with clients, technical experts and colleagues from across our full-practice firm to deliver joined-up advice
- Contributing to business development activity and helping to build long-term relationships with developers, contractors, consultants, funders and occupiers
You’ll have exposure to high-quality, complex work from an early stage and will be encouraged to take on responsibility as your experience develops, with support from senior colleagues in a collaborative national team.
About You
We’re keen to hear from lawyers looking to develop their careers within a leading construction and engineering practice. We are looking for:
- A qualified lawyer with around 1-3 years’ PQE
- Experience in construction, engineering, and infrastructure work, primarily focussed on contentious work, and ideally with some experience of international arbitration (although this is not essential).
- Strong drafting, analytical and technical skills, with the ability to understand complex contractual and project issues.
- A commercial, client-focused mindset and confidence working with clients operating in high-value, fast-moving project environments.
- The ability to manage matters with an appropriate level of autonomy while working as part of a collaborative team.
- A proactive approach to developing client relationships and supporting business development.
- An interest in the construction and engineering sector, including the commercial, technical and regulatory pressures clients face.
You’ll be joining a supportive, high-performing and forward-thinking team that values quality, integrity and development. If you’re looking for exposure to complex construction and engineering work within a national firm, this role offers an excellent next step in your career.
Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You
- 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
- Generous and flexible pension schemes.
- Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
- Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
- We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.
- This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.
- We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!
Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders. We carry out pre-employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks with our trusted 3rd parties. The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws. Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.
Construction Solicitor/Associate employer: Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. With a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for community involvement. Located in Sheffield, the firm fosters a collaborative environment where colleagues can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Solicitor/Associate
✨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 Irwin Mitchell, 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 Solicitor/Associate at Irwin Mitchell.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Solicitor/Associate
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 Irwin Mitchell
✨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!
