Legal Director / Partner – Construction – Bristol – 10+ PQE

Overview

Senior construction specialist sought to lead and grow a Bristol-based construction practice within a UK law firm. You will shape the regional offering, collaborating with a national team, and manage high-value matters across both contentious and non-contentious work. The role emphasizes client development, mentoring, and cross-department support, supported by an established national platform. A strong track record in generating work and building teams is essential, with a focus on expanding the Southwest presence.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working
• Mentoring and pastoral support
• Clear route for advancement
• Opportunities for business development and leadership
• Supportive, collaborative national team environment
• Competitive senior-level salary and benefits package

Responsibilities

• Advise on major standard form construction contracts (JCT, NEC, ICE, GC/Works, ACE, RIBA, RICS)
• Draft and negotiate bespoke construction contracts
• Act for borrowers and lenders on construction aspects of real estate finance transactions
• Handle construction disputes including litigation, arbitration, adjudication and ADR
• Provide project support to Real Estate, Corporate and other departments
• Lead and mentor construction lawyers as the Bristol team grows
• Manage and develop client relationships
• Support business development, networking and tender activity
• Contribute to thought leadership through articles and sector commentary

Key requirements

• 10+ years’ PQE at a strong regional, national or City firm
• Expertise across a broad range of construction matters (contentious and/or non-contentious)
• Strong drafting, research and communication skills
• Commercial, pragmatic approach to complex construction issues
• Proven ability to generate work and grow a client base
• Experience leading or developing a construction team
• Entrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm for building a Bristol practice
• Confidence advising clients directly and managing high value matters
• Experience across sectors such as energy, public sector and local authorities, regeneration, social housing, education and healthcare, housebuilding, supply chain

• leadership and people management
• entrepreneurial mindset
• strong client relationship management
• construction contracts drafting
• contentious and non-contentious construction knowledge
• real estate finance construction aspects

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