Senior Associate / Principal Associate in Birmingham

Senior Associate / Principal Associate in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our dynamic Construction team and advise on major development and infrastructure projects.
  • Company: Shoosmiths, a top law firm known for its collaborative culture and innovative approach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5+ years' experience in non-contentious construction matters.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Our growing Construction team is looking to recruit a talented Senior Associate or Principal Associate to join our nationally recognised non-contentious construction practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer seeking high quality work across some of the UK's most significant development, regeneration, infrastructure and energy projects. Working alongside leading lawyers across Real Estate, Energy & Infrastructure, Planning and Real Estate Finance, you will advise a diverse client base including developers, investors, occupiers, funders and public sector bodies.

At Shoosmiths, we combine exceptional client work with a collaborative and supportive culture. You'll be given early responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to play a key role in complex, high profile projects from inception through to completion.

Your work will include:

  • Advising on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters across development, investment and infrastructure projects.
  • Drafting and negotiating JCT, NEC, bespoke construction contracts, and development agreements/ agreements for lease and associated transaction documents.
  • Advising on consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and third-party rights.
  • Supporting clients on procurement strategies, risk allocation and project delivery issues.
  • Working closely with colleagues across our national Real Estate and Infrastructure practices to provide seamless, commercially focused advice.
  • Contributing to client relationship management, business development initiatives and the continued growth of the practice.

We are interested in candidates with strong technical expertise alongside a commercial and proactive approach to client service. You will ideally have:

  • Qualified solicitor with 5+ years' PQE gained within a recognised construction practice.
  • Strong experience advising on non-contentious construction matters, including JCT and/or NEC contracts.
  • Excellent technical and drafting skills combined with strong commercial awareness.
  • Ability to manage matters and workstreams independently.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to client service excellence.
  • Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
  • A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for business development.

Desirable:

  • Experience advising on major development, regeneration, infrastructure or energy projects.
  • Knowledge of development finance structures and funder requirements.
  • Experience of Building Safety Act related issues and documentation.

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all our ability to focus on what matters most. With offices across the UK and Brussels, we partner with some of the world's most exciting, innovative and ambitious organisations, helping clients make a meaningful impact in their industries and communities. Our people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, collaborate in high performing teams and deliver exceptional results through a culture built on excellence, innovation and mutual support.

As the first Top 50 law firm to achieve the Investors in People Platinum Standard, our values are more than statements on a website. They are embedded in everything we do and form the foundation of our success. Alongside a competitive remuneration package we offer high quality work, a supportive environment and a comprehensive, flexible benefits programme designed to reward and support our people. We believe our success is driven by our employees and we are committed to recognising their contribution to the firm's continued growth and achievements.

Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. As part of our accreditation we commit to interviewing any applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for each vacancy. In some circumstances we may only be able to interview those that best meet the essential criteria due to the volume of applications received.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team. We can consider your needs and requirements, and how we can assist you to apply for our roles.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Senior Associate / Principal Associate in Birmingham employer: Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers legal professionals to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides structured learning opportunities and a comprehensive benefits programme, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact while advancing their career in the vibrant city of Birmingham. Join a market-leading Real Estate Litigation team where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions recognised in a supportive environment that champions innovation and ambition.

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Contact Details:

Shoosmiths Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Principal Associate in Birmingham

Get Involved in Law Societies

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Principal Associate in Birmingham

Qualified Solicitor
Non-Contentious Construction Law
JCT Contracts
NEC Contracts
Drafting Skills
Commercial Awareness
Client Relationship Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Shoosmiths, 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 Shoosmiths and the specific role of Senior Associate / Principal Associate. 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 Shoosmiths’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths

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 Shoosmiths.

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 Shoosmiths.