Principal Associate / Legal Director at Shoosmiths

The role

Shoosmiths is seeking an experienced Principal Associate or Legal Director with 7+ years of PQE to join their Real Estate practice in London. This role involves advising clients on complex, high-value construction and engineering projects, focusing on procurement strategy, contract negotiation, and risk allocation.

What you'll do

Advising on the procurement, negotiation and drafting of a wide range of construction, infrastructure and engineering documentation
Leading negotiations on standard and bespoke forms of construction contracts, including JCT, NEC and FIDIC forms
Advising on development agreements, forward funding arrangements, development finance transactions and real estate led construction projects
Supporting major infrastructure, energy, industrial, remediation and process plant projects
Advising clients on risk management, project delivery strategies and market best practice
Working closely with colleagues in Real Estate, Corporate, Finance, Projects and Regulatory teams on multidisciplinary transactions
Lead on complex development projects acting as the principal client contact and coordinating multidisciplinary teams across Real Estate, Corporate, Banking and other specialist practices
Advise on project structuring, procurement strategy, risk allocation and the negotiation and drafting of construction documentation throughout the development lifecycle

What we're looking for

Extensive experience advising on non-contentious construction matters gained within a leading law firm, in-house legal team or a combination of both

Significant experience drafting and negotiating JCT, NEC and/or other standard-form construction contracts

Expertise in development projects, financing arrangements and project procurement structures

Strong technical understanding of construction, infrastructure and engineering risk allocation

The ability to lead matters independently and manage competing priorities effectively

The ability to work effectively and efficiently within project teams

A proven track record of building and maintaining strong client relationships

Experience supervising and developing junior lawyers

An enthusiasm for business development and contributing to the growth of a market leading practice

Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

For Legal Director candidates we would expect an established reputation within the market· nice to have

For Legal Director candidates we would expect a demonstrable track record of winning work and the ability to support broader strategic growth initiatives· nice to have

Benefits

Embraces flexible hybrid working with team members typically working at least three days per week from the office

Competitive remuneration package

High quality work

A supportive environment

A comprehensive, flexible benefits programme designed to reward and support our people

Hiring contacts

Nina Marshall

nina.marshall@shoosmiths.com

Principal Associate / Legal Director