Legal Counsel - Contracts

As a result of expansion of the business, and to strengthen the legal team, we are looking for an additional non-contentious construction or commercial contracts lawyer to join the contracts team at Tetra Tech Limited. You will join a small team, headed by a former partner of a leading national firm of solicitors, which provides legal support to the business, advising on contract terms and legal risk.

The role will include reviewing, advising on and negotiating contract terms governing the provision of Tetra Tech’s professional consultancy services, in order to support compliance with our corporate legal risk management policies.

The work is diverse and interesting: we review a wide range of contracts, including bespoke, industry standard (e.g. NEC PSC) and government standard contracts up to multi-million pound framework agreements and provide support to our project managers if negotiations are complex or difficult. We advise senior management on legal risks on prospective projects and conduct reviews at tender stage, providing an opportunity to participate in decision making within the business. We also review NDAs and provide more general advice on compliance and liaise as necessary with insurers.

We deliver legal training to project managers, who retain primary responsibility for negotiating acceptable contractual terms. We are currently investigating a legal AI solution to assist the business. The role will also include assisting in supervising and developing the team’s solicitor apprentice.

You will work regularly with senior management and liaise with project managers and the management team in all areas of the business. The role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, involving differing challenges, as part of a friendly, growing and diverse business. There is scope for progression within the team.

Skills And Experience

• Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 4 plus years’ PQE in non-contentious construction law (or similar experience in an in-house setting) and be experienced in advising on professional appointments. They will also:
• Have strong analytical skills and good attention to detail.
• Be organised, pro-active and motivated and able to work as part of a small, busy team.
• Be able to adopt a commercial approach, providing tailored and commercial legal advice and be capable of explaining complex legal issues in a clear and understandable way.
• Be able to communicate effectively with project managers and senior management.
• Be able to multi-task and balance competing priorities and problem solve.
• Ideally the candidate will be based within commuting distance of Leeds city centre and able to work a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
• Candidates with fewer years’ PQE but with strong experience in non-contentious construction law, or experienced candidates with relevant commercial contracts experience and a particular interest in construction law and the willingness to learn would also be considered.
• An interest in legal AI solutions would be beneficial, but is not essential.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. We combine the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 400 locations around the world. We are Leading with Science® to provide sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients.

Tetra Tech is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity/shared parental leave, in line with the Equalities Act 2010.

We are very happy to discuss flexible working, including the possibility of reduced hours, flexible start and finish times, or compressed hours. We can offer a range of solutions to help you to get the most out of your work / life balance.