We help clients to prepare agreements that best reflect their interests and the appropriate sharing of risk. The work we undertake spans the full ambit of construction, development and infrastructure with a focus on regeneration schemes, accommodation sector projects, energy and renewables, healthcare, hotels and infrastructure. The contractual expertise we offer is based upon both ‘standard form’ contracts and bespoke arrangements, tailored to meet any project requirements. Although the JCT remains the most common form of contract we see, we also regularly advise on EPC and EPCM contracts, NEC forms and on multi-party and partnering working arrangements and Joint Ventures.

Our team also has extensive experience of advising on risks in live schemes, including on giving payment advice, advising on delays, fire stopping issues and preventing the failure of construction projects. This often links to analysing a contract to inform a client of its rights and responsibilities and suggesting next steps, and can cover such things as payment advice, challenging extensions of time requests and (where necessary) issuing termination notices and advising on the consequences of termination and (more recently) issues around insolvency.

Most clients realise that formal disputes are to be avoided where possible though. As such, we are engaged to advise on live projects – generally to help avoid disputes and to shape commercial negotiations and deals. It is for this reason we are looking to fill a senior non contentious position at present.

Much of our focus is in the UK but we also advise on a range of international projects across many jurisdictions and work with our network of trusted international law firms and consultants where appropriate too.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

We are looking for a full time Junior Associate to join our construction team. The ideal candidate will be NQ-2 years qualified and have previous experience of working within a construction team or housing practice.

The candidate will mainly have experience of non-contentious construction law, std form construction contracts and some experience of commercial and/or housing development work.

A good working knowledge of the various std form contracts and appointments, including JCT, NEC and EPC forms, their standard amendments and market norms is ideal, as is a willingness to take on more bespoke, complex agreements, large scale due diligence exercises and/or typical development arrangements with appropriate supervision.

There will be opportunities to development know how and get involved with BD also and, as such, a desire to know the sector and work we are involved in is extremely important.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Emily.Green@penningtonslaw.com