Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel – Civil Works Alliance

Location: London/Ipswich  

Join the exciting journey of one of the UK's largest nuclear projects at Sizewell C!

We are looking for a CWA Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal support and guidance throughout the civil works programme. This key role involves managing contractual matters, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance with UK laws and regulations, particularly within the construction and energy sectors. You'll work closely with the CWA Head of Legal, internal teams, project stakeholders, and external advisors to protect the interests of the Civil Works Alliance.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in construction law, especially in high-value energy or infrastructure projects. Familiarity with NEC contracts is essential, along with a deep understanding of relevant UK regulations. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major infrastructure project and play a crucial role in the successful delivery of Sizewell C.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, and NDAs, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. Work closely with Procurement and Commercial teams to implement contracts and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Advise project teams on legal matters and help develop the CWA's suite of contracts based on NEC standards.
• Identify legal risks and develop strategies for mitigation. Manage disputes, claims, and litigation throughout the project, collaborating with external counsel when needed. Serve as the primary point of contact for dispute resolution processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Finance, Procurement, Commercial) to align legal matters with business objectives. Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and government agencies.
• Oversee the preparation and storage of all legal agreements and correspondence, ensuring records are accurate and accessible for audits and compliance checks.
• Monitor developments in UK construction and contract law to ensure compliance. Develop and implement policies to enhance legal compliance and risk management across the project.
• Provide training on contractual obligations and compliance requirements to project teams. Offer ongoing legal guidance to ensure alignment with contractual terms and legal standards.

What skills & experience are we looking for?

• Expertise in U.K. construction law, including knowledge of industry-standard contracts (in particular NEC3 and NEC4 contracts).
• Qualified solicitor in the U.K., with a focus on construction law.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience, either in private practice focussing on construction law or as part of an in-house Legal team within a company operating in the UK's construction / infrastructure sector.
• Accurate in contract drafting and reviewing to ensure compliance and protect the organization's interests.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proficient in risk management, with experience in dispute resolution.
• Ability to work independently and handle complex legal matters effectively.
• Clear and concise communication to explain complex legal issues to non-legal team members and stakeholders.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving project demands and challenges.

Why SZC?

This is your chance to contribute to one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects, shaping the future of energy while working in a supportive, dynamic environment. Be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and sustainability at every stage of the journey—from investment to construction and beyond.

About Laing O'Rourke

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com

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