Freeths
Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Director - Any Office

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Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer
About the Team
The Freeths Construction & Engineering national team specialises in all aspects of the built environment and process plant, including infrastructure, commercial and residential buildings, offices, retail, logistics, and production facilities.
We are a team of 28 construction and engineering law specialists, offering expertise in both project drafting and negotiation as well as dispute resolution. Our services include:
- Contradiction stage support (negotiation and drafting of contracts)
- Dispute governance via negotiation, settlement, and formal dispute resolution
The team is led by Chris Holwell, ranked as:
- Leading Partner for Construction (The Legal 500, 2025 edition)
- Leading Individual (Chambers & Partners, 2025 edition)
We work with leading industry clients, across both public and private sectors, including:
- Employers
- Contractors
- Investment funds
- Consultants
- Sub-contractors
About the Role
The team is currently expanding and seeks to hire Non-Contentious Construction Lawyers who can be based in any of our 13 UK offices, though we have particular interest in Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, London, and Manchester.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting and amending standard and bespoke construction contracts, including:
- JCT suite (each edition)
- NEC (New Engineering Contract)
- Institutional forms of contract
- MF/1 forms
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.
- Consultant agreements (standard and bespoke, including alliances and delegation regimes)
- Warranties, bonds, guarantees, and development agreements
- Agreements for leases, novation agreements, and ancillary project documentation
Ideal candidates should have:
- 2–10 years’ post-qualifying experience (PQE); however, lateral applications are encouraged
- Construction mentoring experience, preferably within a specific team
Core Responsibilities
- Deliver exemplary client service and technical excellence
- Demonstrate commercial awareness and financial management (time recording, billing, meeting awards targets)
- Drive business development (client retention and expansion)
- Maintain up-to-date technical expertise
- Ensure compliance with SRA competence standards
- Commit to personal and professional growth
Your Skills and Qualifications
- Direct construction law experience (preferably non-contentious with advisory components)
- Strong commercial acumen with:
- Construction industry knowledge
- Experience managing client relations and project workflows
- Excellent IT & systems skills, including:
- Case management systems
- Electronic time recording
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a self-motivated and collaborative approach
- Alignment with Freeths' values (smart, bold, together)


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Key Benefits
Think Ambition
- Firm wide progress pathways and leadership support
- Award-winning internal development program
- Strong client reputation driven by high talent standards
Think Recognised
- Employee awards for innovation and outstanding work
- Competitive rewards and benefits (among the best in the sector)
- Strong performance reward and recognition culture
Think Together
- Employee well-being central to company culture
- Inclusive workplaces celebrating individuality (Diversity & Inclusion)
- Structured feedback mechanisms and mutual respect
- Commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency in all processes
Freeths Inclusion
We are committed to fostering a diverse team where everyone has the freedom to thrive, regardless of background. If you face barriers due to a disability or health condition, please contact: ✉ recruitmentfreeths@freeths.co.uk for tailored support.
⚠ Direct applications only – Freeths will not engage external employment agencies unless contacted by recruitmentfreeths@freeths.co.uk previously.
For more details or a confidential conversation, contact: 📧 🔍!RecruitmentFreeths@freeths.co.uk
💡 Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths.
See how we deliver impact: 🌐 www.freeths.co.uk
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