At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a dynamic construction team on exciting UK projects with international reach.
- Company: Join a leading international firm with a strong collegial culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive rewards, and early responsibility.
- Other info: Opportunity for international exposure and career growth in a high-performance environment.
- Why this job: Shape high-value construction transactions and build valuable client relationships.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified lawyer with mid-level experience in commercial real estate.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
In this role you will support a busy real estate construction team, focusing on non-contentious matters for UK domestic projects with international reach. You will collaborate with partners and associates across development, advisory, and financing work to deliver pragmatic, commercially aware advice. The position offers early responsibility and the chance to handle a varied portfolio across sectors like mixed-use, hospitality, retail, and residential developments. You will work in a flexible, high-performance environment that values client relationships and cross-border collaboration. This is an opportunity to shape high-value construction transactions within a leading international firm.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible working arrangements
- competitive reward
- recognition based on performance
- early responsibility
- strong collegial culture
- international exposure
Responsibilities
- Lead matter management on smaller matters with minimal partner supervision
- Collaborate with partners and senior associates on more complex matters
- Draft and prepare clear, concise documentation
- Conduct legal research using KM resources
- Liaise with clients under supervision
- Assist partners with matter management and financial hygiene
- Supervise junior colleagues and trainees
- Develop internal and external networks of contacts
- Build strong relationships with clients and peers
- Participate in business development and profile-raising events
- Office-based work pattern with potential flexible working arrangements
Key requirements
- UK-qualified lawyer with mid-level private practice experience in the UK
- Strong academic record
- Proactive and collaborative self-starter
- Excellent technical knowledge and attention to detail
- Experience in general commercial real estate development with knowledge of JCT contracts; NEC, FIDIC, MF/1, IChemE forms desirable
- Drafting and negotiating bespoke consultancy appointments (essential)
- Experience with non-contentious construction elements of real estate and funding documents
- Ability to manage non-complex transactional construction files independently
- Interest in legal technology and AI tools (e.g., Harvey, Legora)
- Ability to keep up-to-date with legal and commercial developments
- Strong time management and deadline prioritisation
- Resilience under pressure
- Understanding of market position and competitive differentiation
- Proactive and collaborative
- Client-focused relationship building
- Strong organisational skills
- JCT contracts
- NEC contracts (desirable)
- FIDIC, MF/1, IChemE forms (desirable)
Construction Associate employer: Stephenson Harwood
At Stephenson Harwood, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your career can flourish. As a Trademark Attorney, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and encourages early responsibility, allowing you to make a significant impact on both client success and your professional development. With competitive rewards and a commitment to diversity, our firm offers a unique opportunity to grow within a global network of legal experts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Associate
✨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 Stephenson Harwood, 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 Construction Associate at Stephenson Harwood.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Associate
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 Stephenson Harwood
✨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!