Senior Associate - Construction (6+ PQE)

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.

Find out more about our wider construction practice here.

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

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; and

• 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.