Senior Legal Counsel – Construction (Non-Contentious)
Location: UK Based (Supporting UK Construction and Consulting Business)
About the company
At the company, we foster lasting partnerships, uniting the necessary expertise, skills, and assets to successfully execute even the most intricate projects. Our decades of experience have taught us that the successful completion of complex, long-term projects hinges on strong working relationships and collaborative efforts throughout the entire supply chain. This is why we believe in shared risk and invest in our people and professional relationships at every tier.We are proactive in making things happen, foreseeing potential challenges before they emerge. By leveraging our highly experienced, multi-disciplinary teams, we offer a fresh perspective, customising our approach to meet the unique demands of each project. This helps simplify complexity and reduce risk for all stakeholders.
The Role: Senior Legal Counsel
The company is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to become a key member of our expanding legal team within the UK Construction and Consulting division. This role is ideal for a construction solicitor specialising in non-contentious matters, offering a significant opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing business.Key Responsibilities:
* Offering legal guidance on prospective construction and consulting projects, including the meticulous review and negotiation of main contract terms, as well as consultant and subcontractor appointments (primarily utilising JCT/NEC standard forms and framework agreements).* Delivering ongoing legal support for a diverse range of issues arising on active projects.
* Examining, reviewing, evaluating, and researching potential risks, then developing and implementing effective alternative solutions.
* Staying abreast of current legal developments and disseminating pertinent updates to relevant business units.
* Managing relationships with external legal firms and coordinating effectively between these firms and the business.
* Assisting in the management and updating of precedent documents for the construction and consulting operations.
* Supporting the Head of Legal with departmental matters, including legal team training and reporting (note: this is not a people management position).
* Creating, analysing, interpreting, implementing, and updating legal and risk management policies, procedures, and databases. This includes preparing, reviewing, and providing legal documents and reports to monitor legal issues, suggest corrective actions, and maintain timely information in adherence to governmental agency requirements, laws, statutes, rules, and regulations.
Experience & Background Required:
* A qualified solicitor (or equivalent from a common law jurisdiction) with a strong academic record and a minimum of 8 years' Post-Qualified Experience (PQE).* Must hold a current legal practice certificate.
* Comprehensive experience in construction law and contracts, specifically including work undertaken for contractors.
* Proven experience with major construction projects, urban regeneration initiatives, commercial office developments, and heritage projects.
* Significant experience in contract reviews and possessing strong negotiation skills, particularly with JCT Design and Build and NEC forms of contract.
* Familiarity with developer and funder documentation.
* Knowledge of dispute resolution processes is advantageous, though not essential.
* Previous in-house experience or a clear aptitude for working effectively in an in-house legal environment.
* Experience or a solid understanding of new methods of construction (MMC) and related legal matters is beneficial.
* Contract review and negotiation capabilities for other contractual forms, including management contracts, construction management agreements, and the PPC2000 form, would be an advantage.
What We Offer:
* Car allowance* Flexible and hybrid working options
* Up to 10% employer pension contribution
* Private medical health benefit
* Enhanced parental leave
* Life assurance
* 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy or sell additional days
* 3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave entitlement
* Comprehensive health and wellbeing support and initiatives
* 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme, including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services
* Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gyms nationwide
Our Culture & Commitment to Inclusion at the Company
The company is dedicated to creating workplaces that unite diverse minds, where respect, equitable treatment, and equal opportunity are standard practices. We are proud to be a disability inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments or changes to the recruitment process, please email us to inform us of your preferred communication method.We are committed to building careers, developing skills, and investing in our people.