Senior/Principal Associate - Construction Disputes - Cambridge

What does the role involve?

We are looking for a senior construction disputes lawyer to join our market-leading national construction practice.

The role with us is a varied one as you’ll be working across a range of client sectors, and with a variety of different people helping them to manage and/or resolve their construction related disputes, which are often high value, fact-heavy and technically complex. Typically, the role will involve, amongst other things:

• providing advice to our clients about the resolution of their matters.  This can involve advising on the merits and evidence as well as helping to formulate the appropriate strategy and tactics needed to achieve the client’s objectives;
• supporting our clients to pursue and defend claims brought under standard form and bespoke forms of contract on the issues that habitually arise on construction projects e.g. contract formation and interpretation, loss and expense, extension of time/delay claims, defects, payment, design liability and professional negligence;
• representing our clients in adjudication, arbitration, litigation and forms of ADR, including where appropriate, representing clients at hearings, tribunals and court;
• delivering client presentations, writing articles and blogs, and participating in construction market focused business development;
• assisting with the development of our junior fee earners, while also benefiting from the support of our partners and our construction team in-house senior legal advisor, Alison Garrett to continue to develop your own practice and career.

Why should I apply?

This is an ideal opportunity to develop your career with a highly ranked and award-winning law firm, working within a small but effective team structure under recognised and leading construction disputes partners.  The work is varied and interesting.  The team are committed to providing clients with the best legal advice in conjunction with having a practical strategic understanding of the commercial risks and pressures specific to them.  As part of that team, you’ll have the opportunity to take on a key role in the practice.

What experience is required?

Ideally, you will be a Senior or Principal Associate (depending on experience), with a minimum of 6+ PQE, construction experience gained in a City or regional firm.

What skills and attributes would I need?

The necessary skills and traits needed to be a great construction disputes lawyer include the following:

• Excellent written English for drafting purposes
• Good technical legal skills with a sound understanding of contract, tort and statute law
• Good IT skills so as to operate as a modern, innovative and effective legal practitioner
• Numeracy skills to support understanding of loss and expense claims
• Precision and attention to detail
• Capacity to work hard, with commitment and enthusiasm
• Enthusiasm to participate in marketing and client development
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others, influence and persuade

Who will I be working with?

Whilst you will be based in our Cambridge office, working closely with Alexandra Pike, you would also work with lawyers from across our offices including Head of Construction Disputes, Martino Giaquinto, in Birmingham, and the wider construction disputes team.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer for a role, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes, but is not limited to, a basic DBS check, right to work check, any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role.  A full policy of the screening the firm undertakes is available on request.

Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions and cautions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level – the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment.

And finally

Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.