Associate - Construction

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Construction Team (Legal 500 and Chambers ranked) are recruiting an Associate to expand the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our broad range of clients. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The team advises at every stage of the construction life cycle, from planning and design through to successful completion, and every stage in between. Our lawyers play a pivotal role in the smooth execution of our client's construction projects, providing expert advice across a broad client base including commercial property (offices, retail, etc), residential developments (HNW individuals and housebuilding), infrastructure, logistics, healthcare, and more.

If you have a passion for construction law and are looking to make a significant impact within a top-ranking legal firm, we would love to hear from you. This is a remarkable opportunity to advance your career and contribute to the success of our prestigious Construction practice. Apply now to become part of the Wedlake Bell team.

Find out more about our wider construction practice here.

About Wedlake Bell:

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. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering clear and high-level legal advice throughout the construction project lifecycle (onshore and offshore) including for HNW individuals, joint ventures, corporate and commercial organisations, institutional investors and developers, industry bodies, and private healthcare providers;
• Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or existing matters;
• Supporting more junior members of the team on their matters; and
• Contributing to business development and the growth of the firm's Construction practice.

Examples of Recent Work

• Advised multi-million pound property developer on its development agreements for build-to-rent and affordable housing projects;
• Advising tenant on the construction of a new state of the art biotech facility;
• Advising hotel owner in relation to a high end hotel refurbishment in Mayfair;
• Advising on the redevelopment of a Grade 2 listed building within the Grosvenor Estate converting it from offices to a single high end luxury family home;
• Acting for the developer owner in relation to the redevelopment of a Grade 1 listed terrace on the Grosvenor Estate;
• Advising owner on development of hotel for well-known budget hotel group; and
• Acting for a developer in relation to the redevelopment of a prime riverside location occupying 4.45 acres to provide 218 luxury residential units with 258 secure underground car parking spaces.

Candidate Attributes

• A background in a recognised construction law practice, with at least 3 years PQE as a Solicitor advising on construction issues – advisory mostly but some contentious would be advantageous;
• A clear and developed understanding of construction law and its commercial application;
• Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
• Strong academic history and ability to "think outside the box" and analyse; and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Our Offering - We Provide:

• Competitive starting salary;
• 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; and
• And a range of bonus schemes recognizing referrals and client introductions.