Job Description

Construction Senior Associate

Location: Kendal

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Minimum 3 years’ PQE

If you’re a construction lawyer who wants a broad mix of non-contentious and contentious work, real autonomy on files, and the chance to help grow a specialist team, this is a strong opportunity to explore.

Our client is a market-leading, full-service law firm with a strong reputation for looking after its people. They are known for a supportive, people-first culture, clear progression routes, and flexible working.

You’ll join a specialist Construction team advising across the construction industry, working with a wide range of clients. This hire is aimed at bringing in an experienced Associate or Senior Associate who can take on an existing caseload, support junior colleagues, and contribute to the continued growth of the team.

The work is genuinely varied, spanning both project work and disputes. You’ll also have the chance to contribute to knowledge development and profile-building through content and client-facing activity.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a busy and varied caseload with minimal supervision

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Drafting and negotiating construction documentation, including:

• Contracts and subcontractor terms

• Professional appointments

• Collateral warranties

• Parent company guarantees and performance bonds

• Pre-construction services agreements and letters of reliance

• Advising on standard form contracts including JCT, NEC, IChemE, and FIDIC

• Supporting wider real estate and corporate/commercial teams with risk reviews, procurement advice, and supplier terms

• Handling construction disputes, including breach of contract, loss and expense, delay and disruption claims, professional negligence, and adjudication enforcement

• Supporting ADR processes, including adjudication, arbitration, and mediation

• Supporting and supervising junior team members and support staff

• Contributing to team objectives, knowledge development, and precedent building

• Writing blogs and LinkedIn posts on construction law developments

• Supporting client training sessions and seminars (optional)

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE in construction law

• Confidence managing your own caseload with minimal supervision

• Strong attention to detail, organisation, and deadline management

• Excellent communication, IT, and client-handling skills

• Strong commercial awareness and a practical approach to advice

• Proven interest in business development and building networks

Desirable

• Experience across both contentious and non-contentious construction matters

• Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working

• Maximum of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum

• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)

• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Employee referral scheme

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events, including an annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards

• A supportive culture with genuine investment in development and wellbeing

Working Arrangements

• Full-time

• Hybrid working

• Kendal-based role

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.