Associate - International Construction

Trowers & Hamlins is a City-led, international and national law firm with over 180 partners and 1000 staff. With offices across the UK, Middle East and Far East. Our global footprint is further enhanced by our strategic partnership with Interlaw which works to facilitate our management of multi-jurisdictional matters. We have leading practices in Corporate, Litigation, Tax, Banking and Finance, Real Estate and Private Wealth.

We've always been proud of our natural commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and value the variety of our partnership. We are different and we believe it is our people that make us unique. We expect and respect that you and your talents are too. Our strategic direction is shaped by a desire to grow our business in a way that is responsible and sustainable and has the principles of ESG at its core, guiding the way we operate firmwide.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and client-focused lawyer to build long-term relationships with high-profile clients, while contributing to the growth of a leading Construction practice in the region.

Based in Abu Dhabi, the new recruit will focus on supporting a key institutional client in the oil and gas sector. The role will involve advising on bespoke forms of contract and working closely with the client's in-house legal and project management teams to delivery pragmatic, business-focused solutions which are time sensitive.

You will be part of a dynamic team handling non-contentious construction matters across the firm's Middle East offices, advising on UAE and English Law in relation to a wide range of projects, including EPC, infrastructure, industry-specific and development projects. In addition to client-facing responsibilities, you will also play a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the Construction team and the firm in the Abu Dhabi market.

What you will be doing

Key responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Drafting, advising upon, negotiating and preparing construction contract documentation including: building contracts (in particular FIDIC standard forms); consultancy agreements; and forms of ancillary security.
• Providing strategic contract advisory services on live projects across the Gulf, including risk identification and mitigation and interpretation of contractual provisions.
• Collaborating closely with in-house legal and project management teams to ensure alignment with commercial and operational objectives.
• Supporting the development and mentoring of trainees and paralegals within the team. Contributing to thought leadership initiatives
• through legal research, client briefings, and publication of articles.

The new recruit will also be responsible for:

• Building, maintaining and developing client relationships.
• Pro-active participation in marketing initiatives.
• Providing key client training seminars and presentations.

What you will need

The firm has a Career Development Framework which sets out the competencies we expect of those at the Associate grade. In particular for this role, the ideal candidate will have:

• Qualified lawyer, 3-5 PQE
• Degree in law from a recognised university -minimum of 2:1
• Previous private practice experience of advising on the life cycle of major construction and infrastructure projects. Experience working in the Middle East is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience of drafting, undertaking risk reviews, advising upon and negotiating forms of construction contracts and particular conditions to construction contracts, whether bespoke or based upon a standard form e.g. FIDC, and all associated project documentation.
• Fluent English speaker
• Can do, hardworking and flexible approach
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and commercially focused advice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters concurrently, often under time pressure, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven ability to prioritise competing demands and adapt to changing deadlines or client needs in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Ability and enthusiasm to undertake business development.
• Drive and enthusiasm & commercial awareness
• Interacts well with people at all levels
• Commitment to exceeding client expectations
• Strong case and time management skills

Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion. All applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role and will be treated equally irrespective of Ethnicity, Gender, Race, Disability, Religion.

If you require any further information on any of our vacancies or would like to discuss any adjustments or additional support that you might need either during the recruitment process or after the offer stage, please feel free to contact our recruitment team on [email protected]

As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.