Construction Associate - Real Estate Construction - London

An ambitious, internationally minded law firm is seeking a mid-level associate to join its combined projects and construction team in its London office. The team advises on UK domestic and international projects, energy, infrastructure, and real estate construction work, with fee earners at the junior end developing experience across the full spectrum. The firm has a clear strategy for growth and offers early responsibility, recognition based on all-round performance, and a collaborative culture.

This is a non-contentious role focused on UK domestic real estate construction matters, encompassing pure development work, advisory work, and real estate and finance transactional support. You can expect to advise on a broad range of commercial real estate developments across sectors including mixed-use commercial, industrial, hotel & leisure, retail, PBSA, BTR, and high-end residential. The team acts for a diverse client base, including institutional investors, project sponsors, private developers, owner/occupiers, government bodies and public authorities, funders, contractors, and consultants.

The role replaces a mid-level associate who is relocating overseas and offers a busy and varied workload from the outset. You will work closely with one partner initially and four other partners thereafter, leading matter management on smaller or less complex matters and supporting on more complex transactions. The position is predominantly office-based, in line with a policy of three days per week in the office, though flexible working arrangements can be discussed. The team works alongside colleagues in the Middle East and Asia, as well as other European offices, on developments in those jurisdictions.

• UK-qualified lawyer with demonstrable mid-level experience gained at a strong private practice law firm in the UK; foreign-qualified candidates with equivalent experience in similar markets (e.g., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand) will be considered
• Strong academic record
• Essential: non-contentious real estate construction experience, including general commercial real estate development and a working knowledge of the JCT suite of contracts, and drafting and negotiating bespoke consultancy appointments
• Highly desirable: experience of NEC, FIDIC, MF/1, and IChemE forms of contract, and drafting and negotiating other bespoke contractual arrangements such as construction management agreements and DMAs
• Experience of the non-contentious construction elements of real estate and funding documents, including agreements for lease, sale and purchase agreements, development funding and forward funding agreements, development finance, and refinancing of real estate assets
• Proactive and collaborative self-starter with strong technical knowledge and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage non-complex transactional construction files with minimal supervision and deliver commercial, pragmatic advice
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and prioritise effectively
• Strong interest in legal technology and AI
• Willingness to take responsibility for keeping up to date with legal and commercial developments in the absence of a PSL