Construction (Non-Contentious) Legal Director - Leading Legal 500 Team

Overview

Hunters Legal is working with a Leading Legal 500 team who is looking to appoint a Legal Director to join its established Construction practice, sitting within a wider Property team.

The team is part of a highly regarded independent London law firm with a long-standing reputation for providing clear, commercially focused advice to private clients, entrepreneurs, family offices and UK and international businesses.

This is an opportunity for an experienced non-contentious Construction lawyer to join a collaborative and well-established practice, working closely with clients on complex construction and development matters while contributing to the continued growth of the team.

The Role:

The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of non-contentious Construction matters, providing commercially minded legal advice and working closely with clients and colleagues to identify risks and develop practical solutions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a varied caseload of non-contentious Construction matters from inception through to completion.
• Drafting and negotiating a broad range of construction documentation, including construction contracts, professional appointments, PCSAs, development agreements, construction aspects of agreements for lease, guarantees, bonds and collateral warranties.
• Advising clients on procurement options for construction projects.
• Providing detailed advice on construction contract provisions and project-specific risks.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Property and wider firm to provide joined-up advice to clients.
• Drafting tailored legal documents, letters, correspondence and advice.
• Liaising with clients, construction professionals and opposing solicitors.
• Attending meetings and negotiating with opposing parties.
• Developing strong and enduring client relationships.
• Identifying and pursuing business development opportunities and generating new work.
• Managing a busy workload effectively, prioritising competing matters and delegating where appropriate.
• Supervising, mentoring and supporting junior members of the team.
• Maintaining accurate time recording and ensuring client billing is completed within firm guidelines.
• Keeping up to date with developments in Construction law and undertaking relevant CPD.

Experience:

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in non-contentious Construction work and a strong understanding of the legal and commercial considerations involved in construction and development projects.

Experience should include:

• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts and associated documentation.
• Professional appointments and PCSAs.
• Development agreements.
• Construction aspects of agreements for lease.
• Guarantees, bonds and collateral warranties.
• Advising on procurement options.
• Providing detailed advice on contractual provisions and construction-related risks.

Experience of building safety remediation work would be advantageous, including:

• Advising on remediation projects funded through the Building Safety Fund and Cladding Safety Scheme.
• Advising on and negotiating remediation works agreements.
• Advising on the Building Safety Act.
• Advising on Developer Remediation Contracts.

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will combine strong technical Construction expertise with excellent commercial judgement and a client-focused approach.

They will be confident dealing with complex legal and technical concepts and able to translate these into clear, practical advice. Strong drafting skills and exceptional attention to detail are essential.

The role would suit someone who enjoys building long-term client relationships and is keen to contribute to the wider development of a growing practice. Proven business development experience is important, with the ability to bring a small following considered advantageous.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• Exceptional client relationship and communication skills.
• A strong commercial and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent drafting and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple complex matters concurrently.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively across different teams and disciplines.
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
• A proactive and pragmatic approach to client service.
• Resilience and the ability to operate effectively within a busy practice.
• A genuine interest in business development and contributing to the continued growth of the Construction team.