Construction Solicitor NQ-4 Year PQE
Join to apply for the Construction Solicitor NQ-4 Year PQE role at Holmes & Hills Solicitors.
Holmes & Hills are a large and growing regional law firm with its heart in East Anglia. We have seven successful offices across Essex and Suffolk – including the A12 Commercial Hub at J25 off the A12.
Job Vacancy
We’re looking for a motivated and commercially minded solicitor to join our growing Construction team. This is an excellent opportunity for a trainee approaching qualification or a recently qualified solicitor who has gained experience in construction or general litigation and is keen to specialise in this sector.
You’ll work closely with Partners Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce, who act for a broad range of long‑standing clients across the national construction supply chain. The team comprises six fee earners and is known for its high‑profile client base, complex disputes, and proactive, practical advice.
From day one you’ll have exposure to live matters, direct client contact and the chance to take on genuine responsibility with the support of experienced partners. Business development is an integral part of how our team operates – you’ll be encouraged to contribute to client engagement, networking and thought‑leadership activities as the team continues to expand.
For those currently completing their training contract, we welcome applications from candidates who have developed a strong interest in construction law during their litigation seat, even if you haven’t completed a dedicated construction seat. Full training and ongoing support will be provided to help you develop your expertise and progress your career.
The successful candidate will be a current trainee looking to qualify into construction or an NQ who has already had exposure to, or begun to specialise in, Construction litigation.
Recent examples of work the team has acted on:
* In‑house training for various clients in contract management, introduction to construction law and dispute avoidance.
* High‑value adjudications across the construction supply chain, including interim and final account disputes and complex claims for loss of profit following repudiatory breaches by national housebuilders.
* Successful enforcement proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC), including cases involving jurisdictional challenges and declaratory relief under Part 8 claims.
* Advising on and drafting bespoke construction contracts, from JCT and NEC amendments to pre‑construction risk management and negotiation support.
* Acting for a national main contractor in connection with a major UK infrastructure project, advising on live dispute avoidance and strategic contract management.
* Representing a specialist groundworks contractor on a £28 million package at a nuclear power station, including claims for delay, disruption and variations.
* Obtaining urgent injunctive relief on behalf of a leading scaffolding company to recover misappropriated equipment valued at over £500 000.
What Experience Do I Need?
Ideally you will have knowledge and experience within construction and have qualified into this area of Law. Alternatively, you may have undertaken at least one Litigation seat during your training contract and have an understanding and keen interest in working within a Construction team.
What Skills and Attributes Should I Have?
* Strong communication skills
* Pro‑active thinker
* Keenness to learn and grow with a team
* Good marketing and networking skills or motivation to learn these skills
* Self‑motivated
What Are We Offering?
* Competitive basic salary
* A supportive, relaxed and flexible work environment in an experienced and growing team
* 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
* Medicash cash‑back schemes after 1 year of service
* Life insurance
* EAP and various other physical and mental wellbeing support services, including virtual GP access 24/7
* Family‑friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay plus family events leave
* Cycle scheme
About Us
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. We work in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long‑standing relationships, protect clients’ interests and support clients’ growth and development. Holmes & Hills is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading supplier of legal services in the region.
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