Associate / Senior Associate - Construction (4+ PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Construction Team are recruiting an Associate / Senior Associate (4-8PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The Construction Team at Wedlake Bell has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and in 2024 was ranked in Tier 3 in the Legal 500 and in Chambers. The team advises at every stage of the construction life cycle, from planning and design through to successful completion, and every stage in between. We work with a variety of leading clients across multiple industries (living, offices, logistics, retail, hotels, ports, healthcare, biotech, data centres etc).

Joining the team, you can expect to play a proactive role in our client's project team, responding to their needs and helping to drive them forward. We encourage self-sufficiency in leading on matters, working closely with our clients to achieve a successful outcome.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team, work on leading matters, and to develop your career in a fast-paced and supportive environment. If this sounds interesting, and you have established non-contentious construction experience (either in private practice or in-house), we encourage you to apply.

Find out more about our wider construction practice here.

Examples of Recent Work:

• Advising on the construction of a new state of the art biotech facility;
• Advising a tenant on its acquisition of a new London headquarters across six floors at 8 Bishopsgate (the "Jenga" building);
• Advising a hotel owner in relation to a high end hotel refurbishment in Mayfair;
• Advising a developer in relation to the redevelopment of a prime riverside location occupying 4.45 acres to provide 218 luxury residential units with 258 secure underground car parking spaces; 
• Advising a global data centre developer on construction matters across its UK and EMEA portfolio; and
• Advising multi-million pound property developer on its development agreements for build-to-rent and affordable housing projects.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering clear and high-level legal advice on a range of construction matters and projects for corporate and commercial organisations, lenders, institutional investors, developers, contractors, private healthcare providers, and HNW individuals (to name a few);
• Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters;
• Supporting more junior members of the team on their matters; and
• Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a recognised construction law practice, ideally alongside property colleagues working on the acquisition and disposal of land (with/without planning permission) for development;
• At least 4-8 year PQE advising on construction issues – advisory mostly but any contentious experience would also be advantageous;
• A clear and developed understanding of construction law and its commercial application;
• Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
• Strong academic history and ability to "think outside the box" and analyse; and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary;
• comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.