Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer – Associate, 4–6 Years' PQE
Leeds  | Permanent | Full Time

Our client, a leading UK and international law firm with a market-leading Construction & Engineering practice, is looking to recruit a 4–6 PQE non-contentious Construction Associate for their Leeds office.

The Opportunity

Driven by sustained growth across energy, renewables, utilities, data centres and major infrastructure, this is a chance to join a highly regarded team advising on some of the most significant development, energy and infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally.

You'll work across a broad range of UK and international engineering and construction matters, with particular focus on:

• Energy transition projects (offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, biofuels, pumped storage and hydro)
• Power and utilities (water, gas and grid projects)
• Process plant, data centres, airports and complex civil engineering
• Traditional real estate development work, including retail, town centre regeneration, office, leisure, residential, hotel and mixed-use schemes

You will have the opportunity to work throughout the full development lifecycle — from site acquisition and structuring through to development, funding and eventual disposal or occupation — for a client base including FTSE 100 utilities, airport operators and energy companies.

The Team

This firm's Construction & Engineering practice has an outstanding reputation across energy, renewables, utilities, transport, national infrastructure, industrial and process plant, data centre and real estate development work. The team offers early responsibility, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to work closely with highly regarded partners in a supportive, high-performing environment with strong long-term career prospects.

Clients include FTSE 100 utilities, energy companies, airport groups, developers, sponsors, funds, IPPs, contractors, operators, technology providers, universities and public sector bodies, spanning procurement strategy, joint ventures, development and concession structures, construction and O&M contracts, project finance and major regeneration and infrastructure programmes.

What the Role Involves

• Leading and supporting workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects across energy, utilities, renewables, transport, data centre and development sectors, from procurement through to delivery
• Working on high-profile mandates, including major power and renewables developments, utility and water sector frameworks, airport and transport infrastructure, and nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating project documentation including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts, appointments, warranties, guarantees, security documents, framework agreements and long-term service contracts
• Providing strategic commercial, procurement and risk allocation advice to developers, funders, utilities, public sector bodies, operators, contractors and supply-chain participants
• Taking ownership of matters, managing client relationships, supporting business development, and mentoring junior colleagues

What We're Looking For

• 4–6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction law, with experience across energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centre and development sector projects
• Strong knowledge of standard form and bespoke construction contracts (JCT, NEC); exposure to FIDIC, EPC or EPCM documentation is advantageous
• A confident relationship builder, able to work effectively with clients, consultants, contractors and funders, delivering commercially focused advice
• Excellent drafting, analytical and matter management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to business development

About the Firm

Our client is a firm built on strong client relationships, collaboration and a performance-driven culture. They combine commercial excellence with genuine investment in professional development, offering a supportive and inclusive environment with excellent long-term career prospects.

Interested candidates should apply in confidence — full details of the firm will be shared with shortlisted applicants.

Please contact Kim Wilkes at Think Legal- kim@thinklegalrecruitment.com