"They have been pragmatic and proactive in proposing strategic advice....very friendly team effort." - Chambers & Partners
Due to continued strategic growth and high client demand we are looking for an Associate to join our highly regarded Construction & Engineering Disputes and Risk team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic practice that has enjoyed significant growth over recent years.
Based in our Bristol office, you will have the chance to work with and learn from every member of the cross-office team, with exposure to the full spectrum of contentious construction and engineering matters handled by our team.
We encourage each member of the team to build client relationships from the outset with a structured career path, goals and objectives at every level. You will be joining a successful firm with a collegiate and supportive culture, which makes it a rewarding place to work.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage and welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds.
The practice
Our team is based across our offices in London and Bristol, working closely together on matters. The group has a first rate domestic client base and continues to develop an international reputation. We act for investors, developers and contractors with a keen focus and strategy based on our core industry sectors that link all of our service delivery together for our clients. In this team that is primarily through Energy & Utilities, Real Estate & Infrastructure and Transport & Automotive.
We have traditionally acted for blue chip companies, Government entities, utilities, rail operators, property developers, contractors, professionals and private individuals. For example, we are on the Engie and Siemens panels for construction work, with other key clients and relationships including WPD, M&G Real Estate, Balfour Beatty and Civitas Living, BDW, Octopus Renewables, Vistry, Innogy, UK Power Networks and Centrica.
Other key areas of expertise include handling disputes arising out of major projects (including PFI) both in the UK and internationally and managing project risk through the construction and operation phases of a wide variety of assets types.
Find more about our Construction & Engineering Disputes and Risk practice using this link: http://www.osborneclarke.com/services/infrastructure-services/construction-disputes/.
The team
Led by Rob Horne, Partner and also Head of the Infrastructure Sector, the team is made up of 19 fee earners.
Rob is based in London and the team there is currently made up from 1 further Partner, 2 Associate Directors, 4 Senior Associates, 4 Associates and a Trainee Solicitor.
In Bristol there are 3 Associate Directors, 2 Associates, and a Paralegal.
The team is incredibly close knit and collegiate. Being truly integrated, the office any individual is associated with is never a bar to being involved in any of the work undertaken. There are no specific reporting lines, everyone is encouraged and has the opportunity to work with as many people as possible, on as many different matters as possible.
What we are looking for
Technical skills and experience - Delivering advice to our clients isn't just about explaining the law, it is about providing practical solutions focused advice that combines exceptional technical legal expertise with a thorough understanding of the client's business and industry, from pouring concrete and erecting steelwork to negotiating final accounts and understanding defects. We are looking for candidates with a good grounding in contentious construction matters, with excellent technical skills and a good understanding of construction issues. We expect everyone in the team to apply their technical skills to more than just billable work, some track record of involvement in BD activities is preferable as well as a keen interest in developing BD skills. We have a structured programme to develop these skills and your involvement in wider BD activities.
Proactivity and enthusiasm - As important as technical skills, we are looking for individuals with the drive and enthusiasm to make the most of every opportunity they are presented with. Proactivity is an essential quality of all members of the team. There is always something new to learn and we expect the team to proactively keep abreast of legal issues, client news, our key sectors and relevant technical issues. This is not a role for anyone looking for the same sort of work day in day out and a successful candidate will find that challenge exciting.
Willingness to learn - We do not expect Associates to know everything. We are an exceptionally supportive team that pushes and helps each other to learn as much as possible from our work. To succeed, you will need an open mind ready to take on guidance as well as a willingness to put your hand up to learn everything you can about an industry everyone in the team is passionate about and excited to be involved with.
Due to the nature of the work and structure of the team, we are looking to appoint an Associate-level candidate, however we will consider candidates with more or less experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications and experience are right for the role, please do contact us - we are always happy to have informal conversations with people who would like to join our team.
You may choose to join on a full or part-time basis (at least equivalent to 4 days a week). We are also very happy to discuss flexible working arrangements which are common across the team.
Your career development
Like all our lawyers, you will benefit from our multi-award winning career development programme. At each stage of your career this provides you with:
- clear expectations of your role and what it takes to progress both on a firm wide basis and specifically within the team;
• high quality clients and work, with early responsibility and client exposure;
• thorough assessment and individual feedback from a range of experienced colleagues;
• robust technical training with early skills based development, increasingly tailored to you; and
• reward for your contribution, progression and potential, rather than PQE or tenure.
Salary and benefits
We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits.
For more information or to apply
At Osborne Clarke we welcome direct applications - if you would like any further information about the role, or the firm, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact, in complete confidence, Rachael Hardwick in the recruitment team on [email protected] or 0117 917 4228.
At Osborne Clarke we value difference and encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities, and sexual or romantic orientations. We want everyone to feel that OC is a place where you can be yourself and where you belong, and our range of interest groups and diversity networks - not to mention our great teams - are a part of making that a reality.
We support working families via a range of family and caring friendly policies and will accommodate flexible working where we can. We value the health and wellbeing of our people: for example, we're signatories to the Mindful Business Charter, have an active network of mental health champions and offer free initiatives and flexible benefits to all our people.
Being an inclusive employer is important to us. We have made a number of external commitments such as the Race Fairness Commitment and Women in Law Pledge, and are working with organisations like Stonewall to become a more inclusive employer.
Osborne Clarke is a Living Wage Employer, so we're committed to paying everybody in our business enough to live on and to enable them to save for the future.
We want you to be able to show us your best during the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to be made during the application, interview process or when working with us, please let us know.
