Real Estate - Principal Associate; Construction

Job title

Principal Associate
- Construction Lawyer

Level 4

Real Estate
- Development Team

To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our communities.

We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas.

Higgs core values are "CLEAR" - Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships

The Principal Associate Construction Lawyer will play a senior role within the Development team, acting as the primary Construction specialist, you will advise on a broad range of non-contentious Construction matters across development, investment and financing projects, delivering clear, commercially focused advice to a varied client base.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow a construction practice within a high-performing Real Estate team. You will take ownership of Construction aspects of major transactions, build strong client relationships and work closely with colleagues across Real Estate, Corporate and other teams to deliver seamless, joined-up advice.

Alongside a strong fee-earning contribution, you will play a key role in developing the Construction offering, including supporting business development initiatives, building profile in the market and, over time, helping to grow a dedicated Construction capability.

• Act as the firm's lead non-contentious Construction specialist within the Development team.
• Take responsibility for shaping and developing the Construction offering, working closely with our Senior Leadership Team to identify opportunities for growth.
• Support the development of processes, precedents and best practice for Construction work across the firm.
• Lead on a broad range of complex non-contentious Construction matters across development, investment and financing projects.
• Advise on procurement strategy, risk allocation and project structuring.
• Draft, negotiate and advise on a full suite of Construction documentation (JCT, NEC and bespoke), including building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees and security documents.
• Lead Construction due diligence and provide strategic input into Real Estate and Corporate transactions.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients on Construction matters, building trusted and long-term relationships.
• Play an active role in business development, including identifying opportunities within the existing client base and supporting new client wins.
• Contribute to raising the profile of the Construction offering through networking, events and thought leadership.
• Maintain awareness of market developments and identify opportunities to expand the firm's offering.

The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I), Test (T), or multiple (A/I/T).

• Comfortable operating as the lead Construction specialist within a team, with the confidence to manage matters independently whilst collaborating closely with colleagues across other disciplines. (A/I)
• An interest in, and aptitude for, contributing to the growth and development of a Construction practice. (A/I)
• Experience of building and maintaining client relationships and identifying opportunities for further work. (A/I)
• Ability to model constructive behaviours, support colleagues and help create a clear sense of direction through good judgement and positive influence (A/I)
• Ability to manage complex and competing demands with confidence, provide clear and reasoned guidance, and build effective working relationships with key stakeholders across the business. (A/I)
• Shows a clear understanding of financial hygiene and contributes to achieving team and individual performance goals. (A/I)

• A following or emerging client relationships would be welcomed but is not essential.

• Proficient user of core business and legal systems (essential). (A/I)
• Excellent understanding of data security, confidentiality and risk. (essential) (A/I)
• Adopts relevant tools and stays informed about new technologies (essential) (A/I)