Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer

Addleshaw Goddard is recruiting a Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer at Associate level with 4–6 years' PQE to join its Construction & Development team in London.

The role involves advising on major UK and international engineering and construction projects, particularly across energy transition, power, utilities, infrastructure, data centres and complex civil engineering. The position also provides exposure to major real estate development projects, including retail, regeneration, office, leisure, residential, hotel and mixed-use schemes.

The Construction & Development Team

The Construction & Development team advises on the full lifecycle of construction and engineering projects across sectors including renewable energy, power and utilities, data centres, transport and social infrastructure, industrial processing and real estate development.

The team acts for developers, sponsors, funds, utilities, independent power producers, contractors, operators, technology providers, universities and public sector bodies. Its work includes procurement strategies, joint ventures, development and concession structures, construction and operations and maintenance contracts, project finance structures and major regeneration and infrastructure programmes.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate will:

• Lead and support workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects.

• Advise clients across energy, utilities, renewables, infrastructure, transport, data centres and commercial development.

• Work on projects from procurement through to project delivery.

• Draft, review and negotiate construction and engineering agreements.

• Work with JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts.

• Draft and negotiate professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees, security documents and long-term operational agreements.

• Advise on procurement, strategic risk allocation and commercial issues.

• Manage individual workstreams and coordinate project documentation.

• Advise clients directly on key legal and commercial issues.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.

• Support business development initiatives, pitches and client relationship management.

• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to team know-how, precedents and training materials.

Sector Experience

The role offers exposure to significant projects in areas including:

Energy Transition: Offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, biofuels, pumped storage and hydro.

Power and Utilities: Power, utilities and related infrastructure.

Infrastructure: Complex civil engineering, transport and social infrastructure.

Data Centres: Construction and development of major data centre projects.

Real Estate Development: Retail, town centre regeneration, offices, leisure, residential, hotels and mixed-use developments.

Candidate Requirements

Candidates should have 4–6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction law, with strong experience advising on construction and engineering projects.

Experience in areas such as energy, renewables, power, utilities, infrastructure, data centres and commercial development is particularly relevant.

Candidates should be proficient in drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements. Experience with FIDIC, EPC, EPCM or other international project documentation is advantageous.

The role also requires strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, funders and internal stakeholders. Excellent drafting, analytical, procedural and document management skills are required, together with the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.

Career and Client Exposure

The position provides early responsibility and direct client exposure, with Associates taking ownership of workstreams and contributing to strategically important projects.

The role also provides opportunities to work closely with senior lawyers and clients, develop client relationships, contribute to business development and support the development of junior colleagues.