At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and negotiate construction contracts while providing legal support to the team.
- Company: Join Mace, a forward-thinking company redefining ambition in construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry with your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years PQE in construction law and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the UK.
The Mace Legal Department provides legal support for Mace’s various construction business units. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a pragmatic, commercial approach to law in addition to a breadth of construction expertise. Candidates must have the ability to deal with a wide range of people across the business, and the confidence to operate relatively autonomously in a fast-paced commercial environment. An understanding of insurances, dispute avoidance, or any relevant commercial experience would also be useful.
Overview of Role
- Construction Lawyer; 2-3 years PQE (PQE for guidance only); Non-contentious role in the Mace legal team.
Role
- Review of construction contracts received with client tenders to identify risks to Mace;
- Negotiation and drafting of construction contracts and supply chain step-down contracts;
- Close liaison with commercial teams to manage the process of contract review through to signing of contracts and ad hoc advice through the life of the project;
- Contribute to legal department training sessions for commercial colleagues;
- Updating precedent documents;
- Assisting commercial colleagues in managing and mitigating potential dispute situations, raising and managing insurance notifications;
- Work with Mace’s insurance brokers and with external counsel.
Experience (essential)
- Legal qualification in-house or in a private practice construction team;
- Experience with JCT, NEC and bespoke forms of contract;
- Experience negotiating complex construction contracts and ancillary documents;
- Experience drafting negotiated positions across different forms of construction documents;
- Risk reviews of all ancillary documentation such as NDAs, collateral warranties, PCG/performance bonds, sub-contract/sub-consultant contracts;
- Good working knowledge of the Construction Act.
Experience (advantageous)
- Claims or dispute avoidance;
- Insurance in contracts and managing insurance claims;
- Experience of dealing with performance-based contracts, joint venture agreements, and/or alliancing forms of contract;
- Understanding of regulatory compliance issues including anti-bribery, data protection, modern slavery etc;
- Working knowledge of public procurement rules in the UK or other jurisdiction.
Attributes
- Strong technical legal knowledge and commercial understanding of the construction industry;
- Good working knowledge of the JCT and NEC forms;
- Excellent negotiation skills;
- Great interpersonal and communication skills to manage internal stakeholder groups and external client relationships;
- Ability to communicate with and manage commercial colleagues;
- Quick learner, ability to prioritise according to business need and to work effectively as part of a busy team.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
Primary Location: London
Organization: Mace Limited - Group Services
Schedule: Regular
Job Type: Full-time
Lawyer (Construction) employer: Mace
At Mace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities within the construction legal sector, all while contributing to impactful projects across London. Join us to be part of a team that values ambition, collaboration, and transformative change in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer (Construction)
✨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 Mace, 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 Lawyer (Construction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Mace, 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 Mace and the specific role of Lawyer (Construction). 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 Mace’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace
✨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 Mace.
✨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 Mace.
