At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Construction and Infrastructure Disputes team to handle complex legal issues.
- Company: Shepherd and Wedderburn is a leading law firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive, high-performance environment.
- Other info: Contact Louise Hughes for more information or accommodations during the application process.
- Why this job: Work on high-value cases while collaborating with like-minded professionals in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years PQE in contentious construction law is required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh (would consider Glasgow based applicants) The team We currently have an opportunity within our Construction and Infrastructure Disputes team for a 3–6-year PQE Contentious Construction lawyer based in Edinburgh or Glasgow, with options for flexible working. The role is to join one of our five Contentious Construction teams, which are part of the firm’s wider Commercial Disputes and Regulation division. The team has a busy and specialist practice across the UK construction and engineering sector, with a particular focus on infrastructure, energy, and civil engineering: power/utilities, rail, renewables, commercial and residential development, leisure, education, health, defence, flood prevention schemes, PFI/PPP, and professional negligence. The team represents major UK contractor, subcontractor, and employer clients in complex and high-quality dispute work based in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and handles mediation, adjudication, court and arbitration work across the UK, for example, in the TCC in London and Court of Session in Edinburgh. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to: Deliver high-quality advice to sophisticated commercial clients on high-value, complex issues. Assist in shaping and delivering clients’ commercial objectives through identifying and implementing solutions. Play an active role in representing clients in formal proceedings and ADR across the UK. Assist in documenting settlements and dispute-related agreements. Have fun, work with like-minded people, and further your career in a high-quality environment. Technical/Legal Skills Demonstrates appropriate range of legal knowledge and, with assistance, can identify issues outside their expertise and seek appropriate assistance. Obtains relevant information to complete task. Produces a solution best addressing the client’s requirements, with minimum guidance. Demonstrates potential to display effective spoken and written advocacy skills. If appropriate, seeks to comply with formalities required in connection with spoken and written advocacy and to deal with witnesses and opposing arguments effectively. Business/Work Management Identifies strategies to manage work in order to attain objectives within agreed timescales and budgets. Keeps all clients and colleagues up-to-date with latest developments. Complies with all firm policies and procedures, including financial. Implements improvements in working methods. Prepares well for meetings. Makes effective use of the firm’s information management systems, and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Business Development & Client Relationship Management Communicates clearly with prospective and current clients in all contexts. Assists in assessing scope of work and fees within team. Develops effective ways of delivering client solutions with minimum guidance. Knows players at each client and builds relationships. Developing an understanding of the impact of external market forces on clients, and identifies trends which may lead to opportunities. Demonstrates an awareness of client care issues. Communicates client feedback to partner/senior associate/associate. Understands value of activity versus time spent. Participates in marketing activities. Assists in the development of credible marketing plans. Demonstrates effective presentation and writing skills. Implements cross selling opportunities. People Management Developing an effective personal presence with partners and colleagues. Demonstrates ability to manage and supervise work effectively and to seek or provide support when required. Delegates work effectively with colleagues. Supports diversity & inclusion within the team. Personal Development and Knowledge Management Completes appropriate CPD hours. Maintains an adequate and up to date understanding of relevant law, policy and practice, and to identify where legal research is required. Takes responsibility for personal learning and development, evaluates strengths and limitations in relation to the demands of their work, and reflects on and learns from others. Undertakes personal study/research to address gaps in knowledge. Utilises internal/external knowledge resources e.g. libraries, daily current awareness/plc newsletter etc. Contributes to firm’s knowledge resources. Gives well prepared and presented training sessions with minimum guidance. Ethics, professionalism and judgement Recognition of ethical issues, will raise with appropriate person and will seek to address. Demonstrates an understanding and application of the ethical concepts which govern their role and behaviour as a lawyer. Identifies the relevant SRA or LSS principles and rules of professional conduct and seeks assistance in applying them. Resists pressure to condone, ignore or commit unethical behaviour. Respects diversity, and acts fairly and inclusively. Discloses when work is beyond their personal capability and recognises when they have made mistakes and takes appropriate action. Seeks expert advice when required, and makes effective use of feedback, guidance and support received. Firm Contribution Assists in development of team\'s operational goals. Demonstrates an understanding of the inter-relationship between strategic and operational management. Displays an awareness of organisational goals and has an engaged commitment to team goals. Participates in extra practice events to assist development of firm. Other information HR Contact If you would like further information on the role or require accommodations to make your application please contact Louise Hughes (louise.hughes@shepwedd.com). At Shepherd and Wedderburn we strive to provide a supportive, inclusive and high performance working environment, where everyone feels they belong. Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our business, and we therefore encourage candidates from different backgrounds to consider opportunities at all levels of the organisation. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Solicitor/Associate in Edinburgh employer: Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
At Shepherd and Wedderburn, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices provide flexible working options, allowing you to balance your career with personal commitments while engaging in high-quality legal work across the UK construction and engineering sectors. Join us to collaborate with like-minded professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and advance your career in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP Recruitment Team
louise.hughes@shepwedd.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor/Associate in Edinburgh
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
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Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solicitor/Associate in Edinburgh
Contentious Construction Law Expertise
Dispute Resolution Skills
Strong Advocacy Skills
Legal Research Proficiency
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Understanding of ADR Processes
Knowledge of Construction and Infrastructure Regulations
Project Management Skills
Effective Communication Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Team Collaboration
Business Development Acumen
Ethical Judgement and Professionalism
Time Management Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!