At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide non-contentious legal advice and project manage construction matters.
- Company: Rapidly growing legal practice within a global professional services firm.
- Benefits: Genuine flexibility, exposure to a global network, and entrepreneurial culture.
- Other info: Diverse profiles welcomed; excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help build a thriving construction practice.
- Qualifications: Post-qualification experience in construction and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are working with a rapidly growing legal practice, integrated within a global professional services firm, to find a talented Construction Solicitor at Manager level (associate to managing associate level) to join their thriving Real Estate & Construction team in Manchester. This is a genuinely different proposition to a traditional law firm role. Sitting within a multi‑disciplinary professional services environment, the role offers a quasi in‑house experience — close proximity to commercial decision‑making, tax and deals colleagues, and clients — while retaining the technical depth and career progression of private practice.
The Real Estate team was established in 2013 and has grown to 11 lawyers, including 5 Partners, with further expansion planned through 2026. The team acts on repeat investment, development, and asset management mandates for private equity funds, sovereign wealth clients, and listed property companies. With one Construction Partner and one Construction Senior Manager already in place, this hire will add crucial additional capacity to a growing practice area.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing non-contentious legal advice across a broad range of construction matters
- Building relationships across other teams and with clients to develop multi‑disciplinary solutions
- Project managing matters and driving them to conclusion
What We're Looking For
- Post‑qualification experience in construction, ideally gained within a department acting for investment and/or development clients with repeat instructions
- Experience with real estate (and ideally infrastructure) building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, and other ancillary documents including bonds and parent company guarantees
- Experience with development funding and/or development management agreements would be advantageous
- An entrepreneurial, self‑starting mindset — excited by the prospect of delivering multi‑disciplinary legal services in a different environment
- The commercial awareness to see legal solutions within a wider business context, with ambition to grow into a more rounded business adviser
- A collaborative, proactive team player, comfortable working across disciplines and backgrounds, and keen to support junior colleagues' development where appropriate
- The relationship‑building skills to identify and develop new opportunities, both internally and externally
- Strong technical grounding, with solid knowledge of relevant legislation and the confidence to drive mandates forward
- Strong academic, technical, and personal skills
Candidates are likely to come from law firms, though those from competitor firms or in‑house backgrounds will also be considered. Diverse profiles are particularly welcomed for this role, in a sector recognised as needing greater diversity.
Why Consider This Move
- A rare opportunity to help build a construction and wider real estate practice from a position of real momentum, backed by an already strong real estate tax and advisory client base
- Genuine flexibility on charge‑out rates, given the firm's fixed‑fee‑oriented commercial model
- Exposure to a global network spanning 81 jurisdictions
- A multi‑disciplinary way of working that gives lawyers exposure to tax, consulting, and deal advisory colleagues from day one — a markedly different experience to conventional private practice
- A genuinely entrepreneurial culture, with an explicit mandate to challenge convention and find better ways of delivering outcomes for clients
Construction Associate Solicitor in Manchester employer: Think Legal Recruitment
As a leading player in the real estate litigation sector, our Leeds office offers an exceptional work environment characterised by collaboration and support. We pride ourselves on providing our employees with ample growth opportunities, working alongside some of the most respected professionals in the industry while handling high-profile cases for prestigious clients. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence in a vibrant city known for its rich culture and professional development prospects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Associate Solicitor in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Think Legal Recruitment, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Associate Solicitor in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Think Legal Recruitment, 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 Think Legal Recruitment and the specific role of Construction Associate Solicitor. 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 Think Legal Recruitment’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Think Legal Recruitment
✨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 Think Legal Recruitment.
✨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 Think Legal Recruitment.