Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Managing Associate

About the team

The Freeths national Construction & Engineering team cover all aspects of the built environment and process plant, from infrastructure to commercial and residential buildings, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. We are a team of 28 construction and engineering law specialists who cover both the "front end" of projects, drafting and negotiating the documents, and dealing with disputes which can arise on construction projects, whether via negotiation and settlement or more formal dispute resolution procedure.

The national team is led by Chris Holwell who is ranked as a Leading Partner for Construction in The Legal edition) and is listed as a Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2025 edition).

Our clients are some of the best-known names in the construction & engineering industry and we have an excellent reputation across the UK. We act for public and private sector employers, contractors, funds, consultants and sub-contractors.

About the role

The team are in expansion mode and are interested in speaking with Non-contentious Construction lawyers who can be based from any of our regional offices, however in particular our Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester offices.

The team are involved in drafting and amending building & engineering contracts including all versions of the JCT suite of contracts, NEC and institutional forms of contract and MF/1 forms of Contracts. They also advise on the drafting and amendments of consultant's appointments (industry standard and bespoke), warranties, bonds, guarantees, development & funding agreements, agreement for leases, novation agreements and ancillary project documentation.

Applications are invited from lawyers who have trained and qualified with a recognised construction team and have experience of non-contentious construction work or a mix of contentious and advisory work. Ideally you will be between 2-10 years PQE, however we encourage applications whatever your PQE or experience as the team are very much in growth mode.

Key Responsibilities

• To work to a consistently high level and to provide an exemplary level of client service and care.

• Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm delivered targets and management of WIP. 

• To contribute actively toward business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and expansion of business.

• To ensure at all times that you maintain up to date technical expertise. 

• To be accountable for your own personal development and to continuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.

• To be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards 

• To carry out any other such reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time. 

Your skills and qualifications

• Have directly relevant previous experience and have the correct level of post qualified experience (PQE) for the role in question. 

• To have a strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and business of the client.

• A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case management skills. 

• Good IT skills, experience, and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages. 

• To be a self-starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills. 

• To be able to consistently demonstrate and embody the firm's values.

Become part of the team at Freeths.

View some of our recent highlights on our website here.

Do we sound like a match? If you're someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we'd love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.