Construction (non-contentious) Associate (2-4 PQE)

About Withersworldwide:

Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, businesses and institutions for 125 years. We advise clients on their business, personal and philanthropic needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the leading international law firm for successful people. With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean we provide coverage across the world that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot. We have represented 70% of the Top-100 ‘Sunday Times Rich List’, as well as a significant number of people listed in the US (Forbes) and Asian (Hurun) Rich Lists.

The firm consists of three global legal Divisions: Business; Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Tax. Each Division is headed by a Divisional CEO and Divisional Operating Officer, working with the CEO of the global firm.

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: international luxury brands, landowners, international investors, charities, leisure and hospitality operators and sports institutions, art galleries and cultural institutions, and international banks.  The team consists of 8 partners 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, 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 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:

• 2-4 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 week notice period
• Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, dental plan, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café plus more

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

We endeavour to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, we operate a preferred supplier list ('PSL') and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is our policy to provide equal opportunities for all employees/prospective 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 ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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