Commercial Lawyer

Are you a Lawyer with an active practising certificate?

Would you like to work on the largest infrastructure project in Europe?

Salary: £55,687.20 to £65,950 (including a flexible fund)
Location: Birmingham, 3 days in office per week

Final date to receive applications: 5th January 2026

This is an opportunity to join the in‑house legal team of a nationally significant high‑speed rail programme. You’ll work as part of a small, supportive Birmingham‑based team, advising project and commercial colleagues on construction and commercial issues that directly influence how the railway is procured, built and delivered.

In this role you’ll provide day‑to‑day legal support across a portfolio of contracts and projects, helping project managers interpret and apply complex construction and commercial contracts, supporting procurement activity, drafting and negotiating key documents (including works and services contracts, data licences and deeds of variation) and advising on claims, risk allocation, insurance and health and safety‑related matters.

• UK qualified solicitor with UK‑based post‑qualification experience (>18 months)
• Strong construction and/or commercial contracts background (contentious or non‑contentious).
• Demonstrable experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Ability to interpret complex contractual provisions (e.g. indemnities, termination, change mechanisms) and advise on their practical impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a busy workload in a fast‑moving environment.

• Experience on major infrastructure, rail or engineering projects.
• In‑house experience, particularly within a large project or public sector environment.
• Familiarity with public procurement law and practice.
• Experience with NEC or similar standard form construction contracts.
• Exposure to claims management and dispute avoidance/resolution.

If you are a bright, motivated solicitor with a passion for construction and commercial work and want to be closer to project delivery, please apply or get in touch in confidence to discuss this opportunity, em or emily.atkins