At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage construction disputes and assist clients with risk management and resolution.
- Company: Join Weightmans, a leading national law firm with a strong focus on people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team making a real impact in construction law.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in construction law with strong teamwork and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Forming part of our Real Estate Department, the Construction team is a nationally recognised practice providing a complete range of legal services on all aspects of Construction law. We advise on construction risk management from procurement to completion, including projects and dispute management across a broad range of sectors. Our team acts for private and public sector clients including developers, healthcare providers, education institutions, transport authorities, main contractors, sub-contractors, and consultants.
We act across a wide range of sectors with clients involved in commercial development, PRS, student accommodation, local government, transport, education, health, utilities, energy, and investment. From a contentious perspective, the Construction team advises and acts on all forms of construction dispute resolution, including adjudication, arbitration, proceedings in the TCC, mediation, and expert determination. From a non-contentious perspective, the Construction team drafts and negotiates all major standard forms of contract, including JCT and NEC4.
We are currently recruiting for a 5+ YR PQE Solicitor to join our Construction team primarily focused on disputes work. We will consider applications for Liverpool, Birmingham, and Newcastle.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
- Manage a caseload of construction work with a focus on disputes work and ability to run adjudications.
- Assist other members of the team with their caseloads of Construction work (contentious and, if applicable, non-contentious).
- Advise and assist clients with disputes and risk management.
- Advise and assist clients with dispute resolution including adjudication and mediation.
- Carry out other case handling advice and duties.
- Draft correspondence, pleadings, witness statements, instructions to counsel, attendance notes.
- If applicable, advise on construction procurement matters and draft, negotiate and conclude main contracts (based on standard forms, e.g. JCT, NEC4 etc. and bespoke), consultant appointments, sub-contracts, collateral warranties, performance bonds, and parent company guarantees.
- Work with the members of the existing Construction team to develop client relationships and business opportunities.
- Achieve set financial and chargeable targets KPIs.
- Ensure relevant deadlines and quality measures are adhered to.
- Comply with relevant Weightmans' and client policies and procedures.
- Work in accordance with Weightmans’ and the client’s values.
About You: You will have previous experience and a genuine and demonstrable interest in the above area of work. We also require you to have/be:
- 5+ years PQE experience is essential.
- Ability to lead and run a disputes focused caseload - non-contentious experience would be valued but not essential.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- Strong academics and technical knowledge.
- Excellent IT and typing skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organisation skills.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets.
- Flexible approach.
If you meet our criteria and think this is a job where you could bring enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn, then we look forward to receiving your application.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates are encouraged to reach out directly. For inquiries or more details, feel free to contact us. Our recruitment team members are here to assist.
Why work for us: Come and join our award-winning organisation and be part of a team where people truly matter. Weightmans is a leading national law firm, with strong international capabilities. Weightmans has been recognised as a leading employer for the 19th consecutive year at Britain’s Top Employers awards, and ranking top 10 in the list, the firm has also secured top positions in Chambers UK. Join Weightmans as we continue our journey to becoming one of the UK’s top 30 law firms.
All Locations: Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liverpool, United Kingdom; Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Salary Details: Dependant on experience. Contract Type: Permanent. Full Time or Part Time? Full Time.
Construction Law - Principal Associate in Birmingham employer: Weightmans
Weightmans is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Liverpool, the firm provides comprehensive training opportunities for its employees, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle complex litigation cases. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to work-life balance, Weightmans stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Law - Principal Associate in Birmingham
✨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 Weightmans, 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 Law - Principal Associate at Weightmans.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Law - Principal Associate in Birmingham
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 Weightmans
✨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!
