Here at VWV, our construction team is going from strength to strength. We are now looking for a positive and engaging lawyer with ideally a couple of years or more expertise to join our friendly Bristol-based team. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a full service top 100 UK law firm, where you'll gain experience in a wide variety of high quality instructions.

About us

Although significant in size with around 500 employees and four offices in Bristol, Birmingham, London and Watford, the first thing you'll notice about us is our close-knit and friendly culture. We're just not like other firms! We believe in integrity and authenticity- in each one of us being ourselves both in our interactions with each other as well as with our clients. What does that mean for you? Well, it means you'll be part of a team, a department and a wider firm that doesn't do airs and graces or arrogance… you'll be part of the "VWV family".

We enjoy a reputation not just for excellence but also for being a firm of "thoroughly good eggs" - a winning combination that ensures a working day here at VWV is based on honesty, collaboration and warmth.

The role

Our well- geared Bristol based team comprises 2 construction Partners, 2 Senior Associates, 2 Solicitors, a Trainee and a Paralegal.  We're looking for a construction lawyer with around 2 years or more experience to join our supportive and busy team in Bristol. Ideally you'll have a mixed repertoire of contentious and non-contentious expertise and will be looking to take on a broad range of high quality work across a variety of sectors including waste, infrastructure, higher education, health and commercial property development.

As regards the work itself, part of your role will involve drafting, negotiating and advising on a range of standard and bespoke forms of construction and engineering contracts (JCT, NEC, IChemE, IET, ACA) . Whilst small in size, our team punches well above its weight. We work with clients at every stage of the construction process in both the private and public sectors including property developers, funders, investors, contractors and consultants. Our instructions range from the provision of advice upon small discrete issues to being asked to be responsible for the entire contract matrix for a new commercial property development. One thing is for sure, our work is extremely varied and our clients are wide ranging.

Given that construction law involves supporting commercial property transactions and wider projects within the firm, you'll naturally find the role to be sociable and interactive. You'll have a love of team endeavour and enjoy working collaboratively with your colleagues across the offices helping to provide our clients with the seamless "one stop shop" service for which, here at VWV, we are renowned.

Our reputation

On this, the legal directories speak for themselves. Our team is ranked in Chambers and Partners 2023 ("Chambers") for the South West and here is what they say:

"VWV has a noteworthy team with particular experience in the education sector representing a wide range of schools and universities, while also acting for local authorities, funders and contractors. The firm handles contentious matters as well as non-contentious, complemented by additional knowledge of insurance and procurement issues."

The team is headed up by Huw Morgan, acclaimed by Chambers as a Notable Practitioner and who is described as being "very attentive, easy to deal with and understands our needs and pressures" as well as being "a solid pair of hands and a good man to have in your team".

Alongside Huw, Jason Prosser (Partner) is also recognised by Chambers as a Notable Practitioner and has particular expertise in the energy and education sectors:" Jason Prosser regularly advises on both transactional and contentious aspects of refurbishment and construction projects in the education and energy sectors".

Whilst accolades in themselves do not provide the full picture of life in our construction team here at VWWV, they do speak to the quality of work on offer and strength and depth within the team- important if you're less familiar with us..

Where will I be working? 

At VWV we have a truly unique and engaging culture that we hold dear. We work hard but we also love to have fun and we recognise that it's the social interaction between us that really embeds our culture. Whilst recent times have proved we can work effectively as a business from home, we're currently working to a hybrid model of office and home working.  

Whilst it's your experience and enthusiasm that for us are key, we'd ideally like you to work from our Bristol office for at least part of the week. In this way, you'll benefit first-hand from our warm and friendly culture that no advert can do justice! We are of course happy to discuss any specific requirements of hybrid working with candidates on an individual basis.

Why choose us?

There are so many reasons to stop and explore us further.  We're known for our friendly and welcoming culture where teamwork and collaboration is key. There's no pigeon-holing or glass ceilings here, just a professional yet relaxed culture where you can finally be yourself.  

Here at VWV, we can offer an exciting array of benefits and are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.  We're striving to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background, can reach their full potential. If you require any special adjustments to be made in order to be considered for this vacancy please call our recruiter as we're happy to make the necessary adjustments and allowances.

Not sure whether to apply?

It's more than likely you'll have one or two questions on the role or firm before you feel happy to apply. If so, please contact me, Emma Latchem-Hughes, Talent Acquisition Advisor, in complete confidence on 07340 632798 or elatchem-hughes@vwv.co.uk and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Recruitment Agencies

We're happy to accept agency introductions for this vacancy subject to the acceptance of our standard agency terms.  If you're an agency and think you might have a suitable candidate, please make an anonymous approach to our Recruiter.