Legal Advisor - Contracts

A little more about your role…

Within this role you will work closely with the Property & Buildings business to support the growth of the business, while advising on the legal and commercial risks associated with working on projects of a varied nature.  This will include advising on contractual and commercial risk predominantly in relation to professional services consultancy contracts through the provision of commercially oriented and solution focussed legal advice with support and supervision from senior members of the Legal team.  

An ability to understand and be able to advise on a wide range of construction, design and engineering related matters contracting arrangements and contractual issues would be helpful to this role.  Experience of working in, or an interest in the construction, development or engineering sectors would be advantageous.  

The role requires a self-starter who is confident seeking help when required and confident working with senior internal stakeholders as well as external parties including clients, sub-consultants and their representatives.   

Key Responsibilities 

• Working closely with the Property and Buildings business teams to support the growth of the business line while embedding a culture of contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.  

• Reviewing and negotiating contractual documentation relevant to the Property and Buildings sector, including professional services consultancy agreements (bespoke and industry standard forms), project contracts, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non-disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and sub-consultancy agreements.  Knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 would also be desirable. 

• Providing pragmatic legal advice and carrying out contract reviews with the aim of minimising any impact on WSP’s risk profile and proactively seeking the timely conclusion of contract negotiations. 

• Ensuring that corporate governance is maintained in relation to contract reviews and approvals given to bid for work or to enter into contracts. 

• Providing advice and guidance on the tender process and bid documentation to identify and address risk  

• Supporting and advising the business in the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue and minimise risk and support effective contract management 

• Liaising with internal business disciplines, bid teams, commercial and operations directors and other support functions including the finance team 

• Updating the business on relevant legal developments within the construction development related space including from time to time delivering legal training  

• Contributing to the organisation and dissemination of legal know-how and training within the business and the Legal team and contributing to the provision of lessons learned feedback to the wider business.  

• A team player who works collaboratively with colleagues at all times. 
   

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

The successful candidate will be a solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualified in England & Wales, with relevant post qualification experience of reviewing and advising on a wide range of contractual matters within the engineering and construction sector. Experience of being in-house at an engineering consultancy or a contractor is preferable. Experience of complex contracting arrangements including joint ventures is also desirable.  

The successful candidate will have the experience and competence to work autonomously whilst feeding their knowledge and experience into the wider legal team.

In addition to the above, the successful candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent 

• Construction sector experience or interest 

• Confidently manages day-to-day tasks under supervision, contributing their developing expertise to the legal team.

• Excellent communication skills, written and oral 

• The ability to work without supervision under pressure and meet deadlines and to seek assistance / advice when required 

• A proactive approach with the ability to prioritise between competing business demands 

• Strong inter-personal and collaborative skills 

• Previous in-house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferred.