Construction Solicitor/Partner

Join our client's specialist Construction team at a Top 200 law firm, advising on construction and engineering projects across the full project lifecycle from procurement and contracting to disputes, completion and post‑contract matters. The successful candidate will act as a Solicitor/Partner depending on experience, providing high‑quality legal advice to clients including contractors, subcontractors, employers, consultants and developers. This role suits a technically strong construction lawyer with experience of NEC, JCT, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts, dispute avoidance and resolution, and an ability to lead matters, mentor junior fee earners and contribute to business development. Key responsibilities: Advise on a broad range of construction and engineering matters, including contract drafting and negotiation, contract administration, claims for extensions of time and loss and expense, variations and payment issues. Draft, review and amend standard and bespoke construction contracts and collateral warranties (including NEC, JCT, FIDIC and supply/subcontract forms), ensuring contractual positions reflect client risk appetite and commercial objectives. Provide proactive commercial and legal guidance on procurement strategies, procurement documentation, bonding and performance security, and novation arrangements. Manage and advise on dispute avoidance and resolution strategies, including adjudication, arbitration, litigation and alternative dispute resolution; prepare notices, pleadings, schedules of loss and witness statements as required. Conduct project‑level risk assessments and provide clear, pragmatic advice to clients and fee earners on contractual entitlements, liabilities and mitigation measures throughout the project lifecycle. Lead and manage matters from instruction to conclusion, delegating work appropriately, supervising solicitors and paralegals, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and files remain audit‑ready. Liaise with clients, project managers, engineers, quantity surveyors, insurers and other external advisers to obtain information, resolve technical issues and coordinate case strategy. Support business development and fee growth activities including client relationship management, preparing proposals, bid support, presentations, thought leadership and cross‑selling firm services. Maintain accurate time recording, prepare fee estimates, manage budgets and support billing and credit control processes; escalate matter risks and fee issues promptly. Contribute to team learning and quality improvement: prepare and maintain precedents, checklists and guidance notes, deliver training to colleagues and promote best practice and efficient workflows. Undertake client identification and AML checks, maintain clear records and ensure compliance with firm policies, regulatory obligations and professional standards. Key skills and experience required: Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with significant construction law experience; for Partner level applicants substantial post‑qualification experience with proven fee‑earner management and business development track record is required. Practical experience of drafting, negotiating and advising on construction contracts (NEC, JCT, FIDIC and bespoke forms), supply and subcontract documentation, collateral warranties and professional appointments. Strong experience of construction dispute resolution including adjudication, arbitration and litigation, with the ability to prepare robust claims, defences and supporting evidence. Excellent commercial awareness and client management skills with the ability to deliver pragmatic, risk‑based advice and build lasting client relationships. Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands, supervise and mentor junior staff and maintain audit‑ready files under tight deadlines. High standard of drafting and document preparation with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to produce client‑facing documents using firm precedents. Proficiency with case management and document management systems, Microsoft Office (advanced Word skills), PDF tools and willingness to support digital workflows and process improvements. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to liaise effectively with technical advisers, clients and third parties and to represent the firm professionally in high‑value matters. Commercially minded, resilient and adaptable with good problem‑solving skills and a commitment to maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards. A collaborative, inclusive approach and commitment to contributing positively to team culture, knowledge sharing and business growth. Hybrid working