Construction Partner/Legal Director – Bristol

Overview

In this role you will lead and grow the construction offering from the firm’s Bristol office, overseeing a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious work for public and private sector clients. You will advise on standard forms like JCT and NEC, draft bespoke agreements, and handle construction aspects of real estate finance. The role blends client development, mentoring, and strategic growth, with a strong emphasis on cross‑department collaboration and a long‑term Bristol expansion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the construction practice in the Bristol office
• Manage a broad caseload across contentious and non-contentious construction 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 real estate and corporate teams
• Contribute to business development
• Mentor teams and shape long-term Bristol office strategy

Key requirements

• 10+ years’ PQE at a strong regional, national, or City firm
• Blended contentious/non-contentious background preferred
• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and standard forms (especially JCT and NEC)
• Experience advising across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, regenerations, social housing, education, healthcare, housebuilding, and supply chain
• Proven ability to generate work, build client relationships and grow a practice
• Entrepreneurial, ambitious, and confident in 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 bring an existing client base or strong network to support Bristol growth

• entrepreneurial
• ambitious
• confident in leadership
• construction law expertise
• standard form contracts (JCT, NEC)
• drafting bespoke construction agreements

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