Shoosmiths
Construction Non-Contentious Senior / Principal Associate

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
The role
This role will see you working with an array of clients including household names on non-contentious matters. You will be working closely with the team promoting the continued success for delivering exceptional client service advising on a mix of development/infrastructure projects, real estate and corporate acquisitions and disposals, property finance and process plant contracts. A number of our construction partners and team members have previously worked in-house for major industry players, therefore candidates with backgrounds in private practice or industry are equally of interest.
Our ideal candidate will have a demonstrable expertise in standard forms of construction contracts (JCT, NEC), development agreements, process plant and associated documentation. We act for a range of clients, primarily on the employer/developer side, however previous experience on the contractor/supply side would also be valuable.
As a valued member of this high performing team, this role may offer the scope to mentor other members of the national team. While we are looking for someone who has a deep background in non-contentious work, we are very open to candidates who have a desire to do both non-contentious and contentious work.
The Team
Our construction team stands at the forefront of the UK's most significant construction projects, from transformative infrastructure ventures to dynamic urban regeneration schemes. With a wealth of commercial and contractual expertise, we guide clients through de-risking strategies, offering strategic advice from scheme inception to project completion. Our adept contentious lawyers excel in dispute resolution, ensuring smooth project progression. Specialists in brownfield site development, we ensure thorough remediation and validation, appointing top-tier environmental consultants and engineers. We address industry challenges like skills shortages and material price volatility, leveraging digital tools and offsite construction. By understanding our clients' unique needs and staying ahead of legislative changes, we provide long-term, market-savvy support that turns ambitions into reality.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Our construction and engineering team advises on all aspects of legal construction matters, from strategic advice on procurement and institutional and market expectations at project inception, to contentious aspects of projects during and after completion. The team of seven partners and twenty-one legal professionals, including legal directors, paralegals, and trainees, assists clients across the industry, including developers, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, public authorities, higher education bodies, and funding and letting entities. We advise on development work, major infrastructure projects, remediation contracts, and process plant and power generation projects. Additionally, we support clients in resolving disputed issues through adjudication, Technology and Construction Court actions, arbitration, and mediation.
The Firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package
Equal opportunities
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Nina Marshall at nina.marshall@shoosmiths.com.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills