Solicitor

Executive summary Lawrence Stephens is seeking a 2-4 PQE Solicitor to join our growing Construction team. Based in our Farringdon office, with hybrid working available, this is an excellent opportunity to develop a broad construction practice with exposure to both contentious and non-contentious matters. Working closely with Partners and experienced fee earners, you will support and advise a diverse client base across construction, real estate, development and related commercial projects. The role offers high levels of responsibility, direct client contact and the opportunity to play an active role in the continued growth of the practice. We are looking for a commercially minded and organised solicitor with strong technical skills and a proactive approach to client service. Ideally, you will have gained experience in construction law and be confident advising on a range of contentious and/or non-contentious construction matters. Key responsibilities

• Assist with drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts, including standard form and bespoke documents.
• Support construction due diligence exercises in connection with real estate, development and finance transactions.
• Draft and review collateral warranties, professional appointments, consultant appointments, sub-contracts and other ancillary project documentation.
• Advise clients on live construction projects, including contractual interpretation, risk management, project delivery issues and dispute avoidance strategies.
• Assist with contentious construction matters, including adjudication, arbitration, litigation and Technology and Construction Court proceedings, as required.
• Undertake legal research and prepare clear, commercially focused advice and briefing notes for clients and colleagues.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, lenders, agents, solicitors and other project stakeholders.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Commercial, and other specialist teams to deliver integrated legal advice.
• Assist with business development and networking activities.
• Take an active role in your ongoing professional development, technical learning and achievement of billing and performance objectives. Knowledge, skills and experience
• A solicitor with 2-4 years' post-qualification experience in construction law would be ideal. However, candidates with previous construction experience gained through a training seat or other relevant role will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a genuine interest in the sector and a strong aptitude for the work.
• Exposure to, or a keen interest in developing expertise across both contentious and non-contentious construction matters;
• An understanding of standard form construction contracts, including JCT and NEC. Familiarity with FIDIC contracts would be advantageous;
• Strong academic background and sound technical legal knowledge;
• Excellent drafting, analytical and legal research skills, with the ability to produce clear and commercially focused advice.;
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines;
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel; and
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear, practical and client-focused manner. Personal attributes
• Commercially aware, pragmatic and solutions-focused in approach;
• Personable, confident and able to build effective relationships with clients, colleagues and other professional contacts;
• A collaborative team player who is equally comfortable taking ownership of matters and working independently when required;
• Well organised, resilient and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• Proactive, enthusiastic and committed to developing a successful career in construction law; and
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, combined with sound judgement and professionalism. Why work for us? When you choose Lawrence Stephens, you will find that we provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, staffed by warm and friendly people. We recruit the best and choose personable individuals who will appeal to our clients and to our colleagues. As a forward-thinking law firm, we provide legal services to a wide range of private and commercial clients, ranging from PLCs and private companies to individuals. We pride ourselves on our innovation and commercial acumen as well as our legal expertise. We are dynamic in our client service aiming to provide bespoke solutions to our entrepreneurial clients. We are big enough to attract genuinely interesting work that will allow you to stretch yourself. Working with inspirational people, keen to share their knowledge and who embody our values, you will develop lasting relationships around the firm. Working closely alongside our Partners, you will learn at an accelerated pace giving you the opportunity to fast track your career. In joining a dynamic and distinguished full-service firm, you will benefit from high quality training across a range of specialist areas, whilst developing your personal and professional skills.