Overview
Legal Counsel – Construction – Reading, Berkshire, RG2 6UA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: £63270 – £98000 per annum
AWE is an organisation with a unique and vital purpose: protecting the UK through world-class nuclear science and technology. By joining our team as a Legal Counsel – Construction, you’ll provide strategic legal support on complex, high-value projects that are critical to the nation’s future.
We are seeking an experienced non-contentious construction lawyer at a pivotal time as we deliver one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure and construction programmes. Working closely with senior leaders, project teams, commercial professionals and external partners, you will advise on the negotiation and management of NEC contracts, help shape the legal strategy for major capital programmes, and ensure legal risks are effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle.
This is an opportunity to apply your construction law expertise in a highly collaborative environment, influencing key business decisions and supporting the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects at scale.
Location: AWE is a multi-site business operating in the Reading area. We offer hybrid working, a combination of home and onsite office presence.
Package: £63,270 – £98,000 for a suitably experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in the areas required for this role.
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?
We are looking for a Legal Counsel, a non-contentious construction lawyer with at least 6-year PQE in private practice or in-house of complex construction and infrastructure projects, and with good knowledge of NEC.
You will be joining the business as the UK government enables us to make a significant investment in our infrastructure through our Infrastructure Programme Delivery team (IPD). This includes two major areas – the Future Materials Campus (FMC), a series of facilities needed to maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent for years to come, and Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP), which covers upgrades to our non-fissile facilities.
For this role we need you:
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to be currently admitted as a solicitor or barrister in at least one UK jurisdiction.
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to have expertise in reviewing, drafting, negotiating and providing on-going legal support on complex construction contracts using NEC.
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to be experienced in managing legal risks on large-scale projects and in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
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to be able to provide strategic advice to AWE teams and executives in planning complex future projects.
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to be willing to keep the business updated on relevant changes in construction law and legislation.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
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9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
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Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
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Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave – 4 Weeks Full Pay.
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Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
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Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
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Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
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Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
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Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2-3 days onsite per week.
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IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
