If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
AWE is an organisation with a unique and vital purpose: protecting the UK through world-class nuclear science and technology. By joining our team as a Legal Counsel – Construction, you’ll provide strategic legal support on complex, high-value projects that are critical to the nation's future.
We are seeking an experienced non-contentious construction lawyer at a pivotal time as we deliver one of the UK's most significant infrastructure and construction programmes. Working closely with senior leaders, project teams, commercial professionals and external partners, you will advise on the negotiation and management of NEC contracts, help shape the legal strategy for major capital programmes, and ensure legal risks are effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle.
This is an opportunity to apply your construction law expertise in a highly collaborative environment, influencing key business decisions and supporting the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects at scale.
Location: AWE is a multi-site business operating in the Reading area. We offer hybrid working, a combination of home and onsite office presence.
Package: £63,270 - £98,000 for a suitably experienced Legal Counsel with expertise in the areas required for this role.
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?
We are looking for a Legal Counsel, a non-contentious construction lawyer with at least 6-year PQE in private practice or in-house of complex construction and infrastructure projects, and with good knowledge of NEC.
You will be joining the business as the UK government enables us to make a significant investment in our infrastructure through our Infrastructure Programme Delivery team (IPD). This includes two major areas – the Future Materials Campus (FMC), a series of facilities needed to maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent for years to come, and Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP), which covers upgrades to our non-fissile facilities.
For this role we need you:
to be currently admitted as a solicitor or barrister in at least one UK jurisdiction.
to have expertise in reviewing, drafting, negotiating and providing on-going legal support on complex construction contracts using NEC.
to be experienced in managing legal risks on large-scale projects and in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
to be able to provide strategic advice to AWE teams and executives in planning complex future projects.
to be willing to keep the business updated on relevant changes in construction law and legislation.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2-3 days onsite per week.
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Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:
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We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
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You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
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We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
