Construction Partner/Legal Director – Bristol

Overview

In this role you will lead and scale the construction practice from our Bristol office, handling a mixed caseload of contentious and non-contentious work. You will work with public and private sector clients, shaping major contracts and financing arrangements while mentoring the Bristol team and driving business development. You’ll collaborate across departments to deliver practical, commercial advice on complex construction matters and help set the long-term growth strategy for the office. This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence a respected legal practice and expand its regional footprint.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the construction offering in the Bristol office
• Manage a broad caseload spanning contentious and non-contentious matters
• Advise on standard form contracts (JCT, NEC, ICE, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS)
• Draft and negotiate bespoke construction agreements
• Act for borrowers and lenders on construction aspects of real estate finance
• Handle disputes including litigation, arbitration, adjudication, and ADR
• Provide project support to other departments (e.g., real estate and corporate)
• Contribute to business development
• Mentor and develop the Bristol team; shape long-term strategy for the office

Key requirements

• 10+ years’ PQE at a strong regional, national or City firm
• Blended contentious and non-contentious background (specialists considered)
• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and standard form contracts (especially JCT and NEC)
• Experience advising across sectors (energy, infrastructure, regeneration, social housing, education, healthcare, housebuilding, supply chain)
• Proven ability to generate work, build client relationships and grow a practice
• Entrepreneurial, ambitious, and capable of leading matters and developing a team
• Excellent drafting, communication and research skills with a pragmatic, commercial approach
• Ability to deliver clear, timely, practical advice on complex construction issues
• Ideally able to bring an existing client base or strong network to Bristol

• entrepreneurial mindset
• confident in leadership
• strong communication
• construction law
• standard form contracts (JCT, NEC)
• drafting bespoke construction agreements

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