Job Description

Birketts is an ambitious full service, top 50 UK law firm, operating in East Anglia, Kent, London and the surrounding areas. With a rich heritage spanning over 160 years we\xe2\x80\x99ve built an enviable track record advising businesses, institutions and individuals in the UK and internationally.

Throughout our history our ethos has remained simple: we provide clear legal advice and value and insight to our clients. We believe that through this approach and a combination of technical excellence and high quality service we can develop long-lasting partnerships and become our clients\' solicitor of choice.

We are committed to our culture of a supportive and inclusive firm, where individuals are valued and provided with an environment where they can flourish. Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile and part time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
The department

Our Construction lawyers are experienced in dealing with both contentious and non-contentious construction matters, acting for a variety of both public and private sector clients, including further and higher education colleges, academies, local authorities and NHS Trusts, as well as funders, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants.

Coming from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, national and regional firms, the depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions and provide a sector based offering for all our clients. There is a strong team ethos which also means there is support and opportunity across the spectrum, ensuring pastoral support at all levels, mentoring, regular communication and a clear route for advancement. The objective is that colleagues have a clear role but the opportunity to develop and make the role \xe2\x80\x9ctheir own\xe2\x80\x9d.

The team\xe2\x80\x99s transactional work includes advising on industry standard form contracts (such as JCT, ICE, NEC, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS), as well as regularly preparing and advising on bespoke forms of contract, specialising in acting for both borrowers and lenders on the construction aspects of real estate finance transactions.

The team also has a buoyant and busy construction disputes practice, acting for a wide range of clients in relation to litigation, arbitration, adjudication and all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The team has a national reputation, ranking highly in the legal directories, but with an existing client base focused primarily around London, the M25 corridor and the East of England.
Purpose of job

We are seeking a specialist non-contentious skill set from a candidate who has 2-5 years PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm, ideally with experience in some or all of the following:

• Knowledge of the main standard form construction contracts, in particular JCT and/or NEC.
• Non-contentious / Transactional construction advice.

The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits.
The candidate

The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of the law yet be able to think commercially and analytically so as to provide accurate and practical advice to company clients and high net worth individuals which is tailored to their needs. An interest in and aptitude for business development is welcomed, with a focus on webinar/seminar presentation and article writing.

Birketts has designed a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. Promotion is based on assessment of your performance, competency and achievements all of which is openly and clearly set out in our Talent Management Framework. This transparency is important to us and our culture and is well received by all colleagues. We actively encourage development, with a regular dialogue between individuals and supervisors to discuss career goals and aspirations. All employees within the team have a \xe2\x80\x98buddy\xe2\x80\x99 to monitor work type and provide support.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an enviable reputation and can offer excellent career prospects.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.

• Agile Working Policy
• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays, rising with service and / or promotion
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% employee)
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG day (Environmental, Social and Governance)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership with Gym flex
• Electric car scheme
• Eye Care Voucher
• Dress for your Day Policy
• Long Service holiday award \xe2\x80\x93 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service.

Birketts