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- Tasks: Join our non-contentious construction team and work on major property and engineering projects.
- Company: Shepherd and Wedderburn, a leading law firm with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction sector while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 4 years' experience in non-contentious construction law required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Non-contentious construction, Edinburgh or Glasgow
Main information
- PQE: 4 years +
- Term type: Permanent
- Department: Non-contentious construction
- Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow
The team at Shepherd and Wedderburn are currently recruiting for a Solicitor / Associate to join their non-contentious construction team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of four years' relevant experience in the non-contentious construction sector. This role can be based at either our Edinburgh or Glasgow office.
The focus of the work for the team that this role will be based within is:
- Dealing with the construction aspects of major property developments and regeneration projects (e.g. dealing with development agreements, building contracts, bonds and guarantees and professional appointments);
- Significant engineering projects, particularly in the energy sector (e.g. on shore wind, hydro, battery storage, solar tidal/wave etc).
Whilst the position is based in Glasgow or Edinburgh, the projects are throughout the UK. Clients include developers, contractors, public sector bodies, funders and consultants.
The role
Technical/Legal Skills
- To demonstrate the appropriate range of legal knowledge.
- To provide technical advice to colleagues.
- To produce effective drafts with minimum guidance.
- To present legal information in an understandable format with minimum guidance.
- To generate and implement new ideas in specialist areas.
Business/Work Management
- To identify strategies to manage work in order to attain objectives within agreed timescales and budgets.
- To keep all clients and colleagues up-to-date with latest developments.
- To implement improvements in working methods.
- To prepare for and attend meetings.
- To make effective use of the firm’s information management systems, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- To comply with all firm policies and procedures, including financial.
Business Development
- To develop an understanding of the impact of external market forces on clients identifying trends, and identify trends which may lead to business development opportunities.
- To develop effective ways of delivering client solutions with minimum guidance.
- To know main players at each client and build relationships.
- To demonstrate awareness of client care issues.
- To communicate feedback to partner/associate.
- To assist in assessing scope of work and fees within team.
- To participate in marketing activities.
- To demonstrate effective presentational and writing skills.
- To implement cross selling opportunities.
- To use knowledge as a marketing tool (e.g. eBulletin articles, client seminars, etc.).
People Management
- To develop an effective personal presence with partners and colleagues.
- To delegate work effectively to both fee earning and non fee earning staff - including objective setting and feedback.
- To demonstrate an ability to supervise work effectively.
- To demonstrate an understanding of expectations and objectives for team on transactions.
- To give well prepared and presented training sessions.
- To interact positively with colleagues in other sections.
- To develop leadership skills on client work and management.
Ethics, professionalism and judgment
- To recognise ethical issues and seek to address them with the appropriate person.
- To identify the relevant SRA or LSS principles and rules of professional conduct and seek assistance in applying them.
- To respect diversity, and act fairly and inclusively.
- To disclose when work is beyond their personal capability and recognise when they have made mistakes and takes appropriate action.
- To seek expert advice when required, and makes effective use of feedback, guidance and support received.
Firm Contribution
- To be aware of and where appropriate to participate in the development of the team’s operational goals.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between strategic and operational management.
- To participate in extra practice events to assist development of firm.
- To contribute to Knowledge Management goals of the firm.
- To undertake any other reasonable duties as specified by the Partners.
Other information
If you would like further information on the role or require accommodations to make your application please contact marc.mcrae@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 welcome applicants from different backgrounds to all levels of the organisation. To foster inclusivity we particularly encourage applications from those who may be from underrepresented groups, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, people with disabilities or who are neurodivergent and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
GDPR
Shepherd and Wedderburn is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information that we collect as a “data controller”. The information provided by you will be processed in accordance with our GDPR Privacy Notice for Applicants and Work Experience Students. If you are successful in obtaining paid employment with us, we will hold your information in accordance with our Privacy Notice and Data Retention Policy for Personnel, which will be provided to you at the relevant time. We will process the information you provide solely for the purpose of evaluating your application for employment. The information will be disclosed to the interview panel (if relevant), your line manager (if appointed), and Human Resources staff members. We may contact any references provided for the purposes of discussing your application, and will ask your permission before doing so. If you provide any information deemed to be “special category” information under the General Data Protection Regulation, we may use this as follows: We will use information about your disability status to provide appropriate adjustments to the interview process. We will use any information provided in our diversity monitoring form about your race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender identity, gender expression, social mobility background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, any disability information, age, and marital/civil partnership status to ensure meaningful equal opportunity monitoring and reporting. Any analysis of this data will be done on an anonymous basis. Should your application be unsuccessful, the information provided will be deleted within 1 year of a decision not to progress your application.
Solicitor/Associate employer: Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
Contact Detail:
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor/Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work in non-contentious construction. Whether it’s project summaries or client testimonials, having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and scenarios related to construction law. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your knowledge effectively when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor/Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in non-contentious construction and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Legal Skills: Demonstrate your technical legal knowledge clearly. Use examples from your past work to show how you’ve provided effective advice or drafted documents. Remember, we’re keen on seeing your ability to present legal information in an understandable way.
Be Personable: We love a bit of personality! Don’t be afraid to let your character shine through in your application. Show us how you interact positively with colleagues and clients, as building relationships is key in our team.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of non-contentious construction law, especially around development agreements and building contracts. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the energy sector, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your experience in managing client relationships and how you've contributed to successful outcomes in previous positions.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the firm’s approach to major property developments and regeneration projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you've effectively worked within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues and contributed to a positive work environment.
