Construction (non-contentious) Associate (4-6 PQE)

About Withersworldwide:

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

The Department:

Real Estate is a busy, very profitable and well-regarded practice group.  The work is characterised by its high quality and variety.  The client base reflects that of the firm as a whole: landowners, property developers, international investors, charities, leisure and hospitality operators and sports institutions, art galleries and cultural institutions, and international banks.  The London team consists of 7 partners, 1 of counsel, and 23 fee earners with specialisms in commercial, residential, rural, real estate disputes and construction practices.

Our construction practice has a non-contentious focus, principally advising developers, owners, charities and other not-for-profit organisations, high net worth individuals, hotel groups, institutional investors and major international retailers.  We also advise industry professionals, such as architects and engineers, contractors and specialist subcontractors.  In addition to providing procurement advice and project documentation, we work closely with the wider real estate department and our corporate and finance colleagues on transactional matters.  We also provide a number of our clients with project support services, including pre-dispute, ADR and settlement advice.

The Role:

The role will involve a diverse mix of development work, working independently and also together with our highly regarded commercial, residential and landed estates teams.  Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate a technical understanding and genuine enthusiasm for all aspects of construction law, particularly:

• Drafting bespoke contracts, as well as amendments to industry standard forms.
• A good working knowledge of the construction aspects of facility agreements and agreements for lease.
• Familiarity with public procurement and tendering procedures.
• A sound commercial understanding of the industry and current trends in procurement.

Person Specification:

• 4-6 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively in an established, close-knit team
• An enthusiastic and engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice
• Excellent technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset 
• A commercial and pragmatic outlook
• Familiarity with technology
• Keen interest in Business Development and helping to maintain and grow client relationships 

The Essentials:

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 6-month probation period
• 12 weeks' notice period
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact Recruitment Team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.      

#LI-KF1