Senior Associate / Legal Director

About the role

The Senior Associate / Legal Director will join Birketts' Construction team within the Dispute Resolution Division. The role involves handling both contentious and non‑contentious construction matters for a diverse client base that includes public bodies, education institutions, NHS trusts, developers and contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Advise clients on industry‑standard construction contracts such as JCT, ICE, NEC, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA and RICS.
• Draft and negotiate bespoke forms of contract tailored to specific project requirements.
• Represent borrowers and lenders on the construction aspects of real‑estate finance transactions.
• Manage and resolve construction disputes, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Provide strategic counsel to public and private sector clients across the construction lifecycle.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the team’s collaborative culture.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor with several years of experience in construction law.
• Demonstrated ability to handle both contractual advice and dispute resolution.
• Experience working with public sector clients such as local authorities, NHS trusts and educational institutions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with a client‑focused approach.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of standard construction contracts (JCT, ICE, NEC, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS).
• Experience in construction‑related real‑estate finance matters.
• Proficiency in managing construction disputes, including litigation and ADR processes.

What we offer

• A collegial, supportive environment with clear progression pathways.
• Mentoring and regular communication to foster professional development.
• Commitment to ESG objectives and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
• Opportunities to work on high‑profile, complex construction projects.