At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a top-ranked firm and work on innovative construction projects.
- Company: Mills & Reeve, a leading law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with flexible working arrangements and excellent support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction sector while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 5+ PQE in construction law and strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're looking for a talented construction solicitor to join our market-leading national construction practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career at a top-ranked firm, and to support a top-ranked team. You will work on complex and innovative projects across the private and public sectors. Our diverse client base includes central government departments, world-leading universities, contractors, consultants, developers and institutional investors.
Our established Cambridge practice advises on some of the most significant construction and infrastructure projects. With ambitious growth plans and a thriving pipeline of complex, high-value projects, you'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team at the heart of one of the UK's most dynamic markets. Help us deliver innovative solutions and drive success in the construction sector.
You will enjoy working as part of a great team across our offices with excellent support from our executive assistants and regular training and updates from our construction team in-house senior legal advisor, Alison Garrett. You will also play a role in our business development activities – including helping with our construction blogs, training seminars (in person and online) and thought leadership reports on building towards net zero.
As a team (and a firm), we pride ourselves on outstanding client service and commercial, cost-effective advice. You will play a key role in this, including scoping and agreeing the cost of any matter and ensuring it is delivered on time and on budget.
The person
You will ideally be 5+ PQE and have an experienced background in construction work gained post-qualification. This role will require someone who:
- has excellent attention to detail and good research skills;
- prides themselves on providing quality client care;
- has the ability to build relationships with clients and potential clients;
- is enthusiastic and hard‑working;
- is pro‑active and flexible in their approach;
- possesses excellent interpersonal and team skills, including the ability to work with others;
- has excellent written English and numeracy skills;
- has strong IT skills and literacy, including good knowledge of MS Office;
- has the ability to work under pressure with good time and document management skills.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The Benefits
As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
Pre-employment screening
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre‑employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three‑year employment history and a self‑declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
The firm
Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it. We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations.
Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients. By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People.
Our mantra is "Achieve more. Together.", which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase! Our values are the principles that help us fulfil our purpose. Our people shaped them and live them every day.
- We're ambitious – We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we’re passionate about our work;
- We're open – We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what’s right;
- We care – We’re committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet;
- We collaborate – We are easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together.
And finally, everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
Senior/Principal Associate - Transactional Construction (0416) in Cambridge employer: Mills & Reeve
Mills & Reeve is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. As part of a top-ranked national construction practice in Cambridge, you will engage in complex projects while receiving excellent support and training, all within a firm recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK. With a commitment to innovation and client service, you'll thrive in an environment that values your contributions and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Associate - Transactional Construction (0416) in Cambridge
✨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 Mills & Reeve, 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 Senior/Principal Associate - Transactional Construction (0416) at Mills & Reeve.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Associate - Transactional Construction (0416) in Cambridge
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 Mills & Reeve
✨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!
