At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex construction matters and provide expert advice throughout project lifecycles.
- Company: Join Wedlake Bell, a Top 100 law firm known for its collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a thriving team while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Must have 6+ years of experience in construction law and strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Construction Team are recruiting a Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position. The Construction team advises throughout the construction lifecycle, from initial feasibility, planning and design through to procurement, early engagement of the supply chain, delivery and final completion. Our lawyers combine technical excellence, commercial insight and sector knowledge, working closely with the firm's real estate, banking, corporate, insolvency, tax and dispute resolution specialists to provide an integrated service.
As a Senior Associate, you will lead complex matters with a high degree of autonomy, act as a trusted adviser to clients and play an active role in supervising and developing junior lawyers. You will work with developers, property investors, asset and investment managers, banks and funders, housebuilders, occupiers, private individuals, designers, consultants and contractors across a diverse range of sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for an established construction lawyer (6+ PQE) to take on greater responsibility within a collaborative and ambitious practice. The role is principally focused on non-contentious construction work, although experience of contentious matters would also be beneficial.
About Us: Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members. Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections.
Nature of Work:
- Advising on procurement strategy and implementation across traditional contracting, design and build, EPC and management contracting structures.
- Drafting and negotiating pre-construction agreements, enabling works contracts, building and engineering contracts, and bespoke project documentation.
- Preparing and negotiating consultant appointments, framework agreements and related professional-team documentation.
- Advising on risk allocation, insurance arrangements, payment and performance security, including bonds, guarantees, collateral warranties and third-party rights.
- Advising on development agreements, forward funding arrangements, agreements for lease, development management agreements and contracts containing development obligations.
- Working across residential, office, hospitality, logistics, later living, healthcare and other development sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage complex non-contentious construction matters and projects, providing clear, technically strong and commercially focused advice.
- Draft, review and negotiate industry-standard and bespoke construction documentation.
- Act as the principal day-to-day contact for clients, taking ownership of matters, anticipating issues and maintaining momentum throughout the project lifecycle.
- Work closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver an integrated service aligned with client objectives.
- Supervise, mentor and support junior lawyers, providing clear delegation, constructive feedback and technical guidance.
- Build and deepen client relationships and identify opportunities for additional support.
- Contribute actively to pitches, profile-raising activity and the wider business-development strategy of the practice.
- Support the partners with matter management, resourcing, financial discipline and the continued development of team know-how and working practices.
Skills and Qualifications:
- A qualified solicitor in England and Wales with at least six years’ post-qualification experience, or equivalent experience.
- Substantial experience in a recognised construction practice, gained primarily in private practice, with a strong focus on non-contentious construction work.
- A developed understanding of construction law, procurement structures and the commercial drivers affecting construction and development projects.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating industry-standard and bespoke construction documentation – particularly the JCT – is essential. Familiarity with NEC, FIDIC or other standard forms would also be advantageous.
- The ability to lead complex matters with limited supervision, exercise sound judgement and communicate technical issues clearly and pragmatically.
- Strong client-management and business-development skills, with the confidence to build trusted relationships with clients, intermediaries and colleagues.
- Experience supervising and developing junior lawyers and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent drafting, analytical, organisational and project-management skills, together with a high level of professionalism, integrity and attention to detail.
Why Join Us?
- A competitive starting salary;
- A comprehensive pension plan;
- 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
- Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
- Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
- Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
- Enhanced parental leave policies;
- Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
- Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
- A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.
Senior Associate - Construction (6+ PQE) in City of London employer: Wedlake Bell
Wedlake Bell is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With benefits such as 25 days' holiday and private medical insurance from day one, the firm fosters an environment where paralegals can thrive in their roles while gaining valuable experience in commercial litigation within a dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Construction (6+ PQE) in City of London
✨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 Wedlake Bell, 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 Senior Associate - Construction (6+ PQE) at Wedlake Bell.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Construction (6+ PQE) in City of London
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 Wedlake Bell
✨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!
