Projects Associate/Senior Associate (5+ PQE)

Job Description

Make a Real Impact [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a leading commercial law firm. Alongside our recognised expertise in housing, local government, and health and social care, we are specialists in the construction, energy and resource management, higher education and financial services sectors. Supported by our valued business services professionals, our award-winning and growing legal teams provide almost 2,000 organisations with commercial, corporate, property, finance, regulatory, employment and litigation (commercial and clinical negligence) legal and advisory services. As a responsible business, we embrace four values: Relationships, Reputation, Responsible and Results. These give us a sense of purpose. They influence the decisions we make and how we work with each other. Importantly, they motivate us to deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients and the communities that we're part of. Consistently recognised as one of The Times Best Law Firms and highly ranked across the legal directories, we are proud of our hard-earned reputation. Our 2024/25 financial results confirmed both revenue and profit growth for an twelfth consecutive year, ensuring our ability to continue investing in our people. Looking to the future, we're targeting ambitious growth and success. And we're looking for the best people to be part of it. Join a team of experts and progressive thinkers We are looking for an experienced Projects lawyer to join our successful, highly respected, vibrant and growing team in the Commercial and Infrastructure Department, to focus on commercial and complex PFI and PPP contract work across a wide range of sectors, including Health, Education, Social Care, Police and Custodial, Fire Service, Leisure and Culture, Housing, Office Accommodation, Highways and Street Lighting. You will be joining a highly experienced and specialised PFI/PPP team. We advise both the public and private sectors, working closely with NISTA (previously the IPA) and Government Departments on award winning, high profile projects and complex contractual PFI/PPP arrangements across a range of sectors. The team also advise on high value outsourcing, managed services contracts, shared service arrangements, partnership and strategic alliance arrangements, joint ventures, commercialisation and new ways of working in the public sector across the UK and internationally. You will be a part of a team who take a multi-disciplinary approach on projects and work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm with in-depth specialisms, for example in construction, finance, disputes employment, pensions, property, corporate, information governance, IT/IP, procurement, governance and subsidy control. We are one of the UK's leading legal and regulatory advisors and are Tier 1/Band 1 Ranked in Health and Local Government in Chambers and Legal 500. "The team were extremely knowledgeable and subject matter experts in terms of intricate PFI Agreements. The individuals were very personable and related extremely well to the subject and any issues that arose" ( Legal 500 ) For the last eight years, we have been shortlisted for 'Legal Advisor of the Year' at the Partnerships Awards, which bring together key decision-makers from the public and private sector to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in PPPs. In December 2024 we won the "Best Advisory Support in a Project" award at the Operational PPP Awards. We were also shortlisted in the "Best Operational/Handback Support in a Project" category. The awards were held as part of the inaugural Operational PPP Summit, (which aims to highlight best practice in the industry) where we were involved in a range of sessions, panels and talks. We have also been recognised in a number of other sector specific awards including: - winner at the Health Investor Awards for seven years - shortlisted Litigation team of the year The Lawyer Awards 2024 - winner or a finalist at the Laing Buisson Health Awards for the last five years We frequently attend industry events, including recent events hosted by the International Project Finance Association (IPFA), Partnerships Bulletin and the British Services Association (BSA). The role As a senior member of the team, you will have a critical role in shaping and developing our practice. On a day-to-day basis you will be supporting clients on a range of exciting and high value PFI/PPP matters. This is a really exciting time for the team (and also the PFI/PPP market) and the role will provide significant opportunities to advise on increased contract management activity, project expiry and handback issues and arrangements for post-PFI service delivery for both existing and new PFI/PPP clients. You will: - Lead on the delivery of a range of complex projects and commercial transactions to both public and private sector clients. - Lead on the operational management of existing PFI and PPP contracts, including variations and advice on contract interpretation and contract management. - Engage in advising and supporting clients in respect of PFI/PPP expiry and future service arrangements. - Work with colleagues across the firm in other specialisms to support our clients on PFI/PPP projects - Support, train and develop junior members of the team - Have the opportunity to develop your practice - Take part in Business Development initiatives and actively contribute to the ongoing growth of the team What we are looking for from you - 5+ years' PQE - Significant experience in working on PFI or other form of PPP complex contracts for delivery of public infrastructure (including their ongoing maintenance) - Experience in the operational delivery of PFI/PPP or similar projects - Awareness (or experience) in advising and supporting clients in preparing for PFI/PPP expiry - Experience in supporting and developing junior lawyers - Ability to deliver clear, precise advice - Strong technical skills and an ability to understand and work through complex issues - Ability to adopt a practical and commercial approach to legal issues - Ability to liaise effectively with clients and build relationships - Ability to operate with a high level of self-sufficiency - A positive and flexible approach - Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively One of the key attributes that we look for in applicants is a passion to learn, enthusiasm and the desire to excel as a lawyer. We are also looking for a team player, who enjoys delivering projects and is keen to share knowledge, skills and experience for the benefit of the wider team. We will provide you with a range of support through a structured and bespoke development programme that will allow you to gain excellent experience, enhance your professional and personal development and offers transparent and achievable career progression opportunities. Work with approachable people When we ask colleagues what makes [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] a great place to work, the most popular thing they say is "the people". The overwhelming consensus is that we make time for each other. We welcome questions and support each other. Naturally, we look for new colleagues who align with our values. Supported to be your best Hybrid working We operate a hybrid working model based on the needs of our clients, teams and people. Our core business hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday to Friday, but we're open to our people working more flexibly around those times and welcome a conversation with you if you have any questions about this. We try to offer you the flexibility to work your week in a way that suits you. Learning, Development & Progression We're committed to supporting your professional and personal development needs. This means that we offer a range of tailored training courses and you will have lots of opportunity to learn from those around you. We actively encourage progression and this is reflected in our annual review and promotion processes. You will be supported by your line manager to achieve your full potential. Wellbeing As a [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] employee, you'll have access to a variety of services that support your wellbeing. We've pledged our commitment to The Mindful Business Charter and lots of our people contribute to our Wellbeing Responsible Business strand, which organises an annual calendar of wellbeing events and initiatives. Benefits - A minimum of 25 days holiday (plus the option to buy up to an additional 5 days) - Discretionary bonus scheme - Generous pension scheme - Private medical insurance through Vitality - Biennial private health assessment through Nuffield Health - Life assurance - Access to Employee Assistance Programme - Cycle to work scheme Embracing our differences and valuing inclusion Our shared aim is that everyone is welcome and can feel comfortable being themselves at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. To support this, we actively value and promote equality, diversity and inclusion in everything that we do. You'll be empowered and supported through our employee led networks, diverse colleagues, and a broad range of firmwide initiatives. Recognising the unique contributions that a diverse workforce can bring to our business, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We take great pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or have any questions, please get in touch with our recruitment team by emailing [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Acting responsibly, now and for the future To us, being a responsible business is second nature; a core part of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s identity. Our colleagues are heavily involved in shaping and delivering activity across the four pillars of our Responsible Business strategy: Community Engagement; Environmental Sustainability; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; and Wellbeing. Our people deliver pro bono legal work for charities and not-for-profit organisations. We play an active role in our local communities and donated £100,000 across our four regional office charities last year. We are also proudly carbon neutral. We've achieved the UN's Climate Neutral Now accreditation and our environmental sustainability plan focuses on achieving our net zero carbon target by 2040. Collectively, the four pillars ensure we look after our colleagues' wellbeing; offer an environment in which everyone can progress on merit, give something back to the communities in which we work; and protect the environment.