Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter

Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Wagstaff Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to advise on high-profile construction projects and negotiate contracts.
  • Company: Forward-thinking regional law firm with a collaborative culture in Exeter.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and strong career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the construction sector while growing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: 1-4 years PQE in construction law with strong drafting and negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

A forward thinking and ambitious regional law firm is seeking an experienced Construction Associate to join its specialist Real Estate team in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic, agile and collaborative environment that values fresh thinking, professional development and long term career growth.

The Construction team is seeking an Associate with a strong focus on non contentious construction work, although candidates with the ability and willingness to undertake contentious matters are also encouraged to apply. You will work alongside experienced Partners and senior lawyers, acting for public and private sector clients across the construction supply chain, primarily on the employer/client side. Matters will relate to high value and often high profile regional and national developments across sectors including:

  • Energy and infrastructure
  • Health and education
  • Commercial development
  • Consumer brands

Your day to day responsibilities will include:

  • Reviewing and advising on construction contract terms
  • Drafting and negotiating contracts, appointments and ancillary documents
  • Advising clients and liaising with their professional teams
  • Managing a varied and fast paced caseload with appropriate supervision
  • Supporting both transactional and project based work

The Construction and Engineering practice advises regional, national and international clients across the full construction lifecycle. Clients include:

  • Developers
  • Owners and occupiers
  • Main contractors
  • Project managers
  • Funders
  • Public sector bodies

The team works closely with the firm’s Commercial Development and Projects teams, particularly on complex multi stakeholder procurements and major national developments. There is also a busy construction disputes practice handling adjudications, TCC matters, arbitration and pre action work.

This role is suited to a qualified solicitor with:

  • 1-4 years’ PQE in construction and engineering matters
  • Experience advising on a range of construction issues
  • Strong drafting and negotiation skills across contract families including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, IChemE, EPCs, O&M, bespoke appointments and ancillary documents
  • A genuine interest in business development and client engagement
  • Experience working across multiple sectors (no specific sector required)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • A proactive, commercial and organised approach
  • The ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively within a team
  • Confidence, initiative and sound professional judgement

You will primarily work alongside a Partner and/or Managing Associate, acting as a reliable and trusted member of the team on high value, complex matters.

The firm embraces flexible and agile working. Teams collaborate to agree working patterns that support exceptional client service, strong teamwork and a healthy work/life balance. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed to suit individual needs.

The firm offers:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • A supportive, open and collaborative culture
  • Strong career development pathways
  • Opportunities to work on high profile national projects
  • Access to extensive training and mentoring programmes

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you’d like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk

Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace.

Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter employer: Wagstaff Recruitment

Join a forward-thinking and ambitious regional law firm in Exeter, where you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that prioritises professional development and long-term career growth. With a strong focus on flexible working arrangements, competitive salary packages, and opportunities to engage in high-profile national projects, this firm is dedicated to fostering a supportive culture that values fresh ideas and teamwork.

Wagstaff Recruitment

Contact Details:

Wagstaff Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter

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 Wagstaff Recruitment, 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 Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter at Wagstaff Recruitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate – Construction – Exeter – 1-4 Years PQE – Exeter

Construction Law
Contract Drafting
Negotiation Skills
Client Engagement
Interpersonal Skills
Project Management
Commercial Awareness

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 Wagstaff Recruitment

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!