Construction & Engineering Associate; Contentious & Transactional Pqe

About the Firm

This is an opportunity to develop a genuinely rounded construction practice within a national firm whose Manchester team handles both transactional work and complex disputes. The practice advises across the lifecycle of construction and engineering projects, acting for developers, funders, contractors, subcontractors and consultants on matters in the UK and internationally. With particular strength across energy and infrastructure alongside work in sectors including transport, social housing and the wider built environment, the team offers junior lawyers exposure to an unusually broad mix of project work and dispute resolution.

• Work across a genuine mix of transactional and contentious construction and engineering matters, developing experience on both sides of the practice.
• Support clients throughout the project lifecycle, from procurement and contract negotiation through to issues arising during live projects and the resolution of disputes.
• Assist with drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction documentation including building and engineering contracts, consultant appointments, warranties and other project documents.
• Gain exposure to EPC contracts and construction matters arising from energy and infrastructure projects.
• Work on disputes involving delay and extensions of time, payment and valuation issues, loss and expense, defects and termination.
• Assist with adjudications and enforcement proceedings, litigation, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution.
• Work with a varied client base spanning developers, funders, contractors, subcontractors, consultants and other organisations operating throughout the construction industry.
• Build experience across a range of sectors including energy, infrastructure, transport, social housing and technically complex engineering projects.
• Develop alongside experienced Manchester construction partners whose expertise spans both transactional construction and significant construction and engineering disputes.

• A qualified solicitor with 1-4 years’ PQE and experience in construction and engineering law.
• A background in contentious construction, non-contentious construction or a mixture of both.
• An interest in developing a broader practice spanning transactional and disputes work.
• Strong drafting, analytical and communication skills.
• Comfortable working with detailed contractual and technical issues.
• Able to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Keen to develop their expertise within a specialist construction and engineering practice.

• An attractive salary and benefits package.
• A rare opportunity at junior level to build experience across both transactional and contentious construction work, rather than being confined to one discipline.
• Exposure to complex construction and engineering matters for a diverse national and international client base.
• The chance to develop experience in growth areas including energy and infrastructure projects.
• Close involvement with experienced partners and specialists within the Manchester and wider national Construction team.
• A strong platform to develop a broad construction and engineering practice and progress your career within an expanding team.