Legal Counsel

An exciting In-House opportunity to join one of the UK's leading construction companies with exposure to some of the largest technology, construction and fit-out projects globally. This role will suit qualified Lawyers with a minimum of 3 years PQE.

Client Details

As a global construction specialist our client aims to make places where people and businesses can thrive. With a reputation built over 30 years our client is proud to work with some of the world's most successful and enduring businesses, cities and institutions.

Description

The role will primarily involve providing legal advice and risk management to their Engineering Services business with support also to be provided to their Fit-Out and Construction businesses as required. The role responsibilities include:

Risk Management

• Ensuring that "legal" risks are identified, understood and communicated to Business Units and project teams.
• Ensuring that risks are approved in line with strict company governance and approvals processes.
• Providing high quality and timely contractual support and advice to Business Units during the currency of projects.

Contract Review and Negotiation

• Reviewing, negotiating and drafting amendments to:Main, sub-contract and consultant terms
• Letters of intent
• Collateral agreements (warranties)
• Novation agreements
• Bonds and parent company guarantees
• Reviewing Third Party Agreements to ensure alignment of provisions and risk.
• Emphasis on building and maintaining relationships whilst protecting the company's interests.

Contract Administration

• Supporting Business Units and site teams in relation to contractual issues e. extension of time, loss and expense applications, notices of default/determination. ("Up-stream" and "down-stream").

Dispute Resolution

• Management/administration of disputes with clients, sub-contractors and consultants, including; negotiations, adjudications, administrations, liquidations, aged debt recovery.

Insurance

• Claims administration and timely notification of insurance matters.
• Assistance with periodic claims reviews and policy renewals.
• Liaison with insurance broker's and ensuring the timely placement of project specific insurance policies.
• Liaison with the company treasury team to ensure timely placement of bonding requirements.

Profile

The successful candidate will be a solicitor with 3 or more years post qualification experience in non-contentious construction. Experience of independently reviewing, negotiating and drafting bespoke amendments to the JCT standard forms is essential, with a working knowledge of NEC and FIDIC forms desirable. Ideally the successful candidate will have previous In-House experience, and experience of managing disputes, however this is not essential.

Essential Skills

• Good communication, organisational, time management and workload management skills
• Desire to help the business implement its strategy and achieve its objectives
• A structured and organised approach to work; focused, thorough, diligent.
• Pro-active approach and 'can-do' attitude
• Self-confident, assertive, positive and professional manner
• Genuine desire to expand legal and commercial skills
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic team player who can be an approachable point of contact for all commercial employees

Job Offer

This role offers a competitive salary, performance based bonus and a flexible working environment.

For further information about the package on offer for this position, and in order to find out more about the role, please contact Rosie Gage of Michael Page Legal (London)