Job Description

Location London or Leeds





Description

Make a Real Impact

Bevan Brittan is a leading commercial law firm. Alongside our recognised expertise in housing, local government, and health and social care, we are specialists in the construction, energy and resource management, higher education and financial services sectors.



Supported by our valued business services professionals, our award-winning and growing legal teams provide almost 2,000 organisations with commercial, corporate, property, finance, regulatory, employment and litigation (commercial and clinical negligence) legal and advisory services.



As a responsible business, we embrace four values: Relationships, Reputation, Responsible and Results. These give us a sense of purpose. They influence the decisions we make and how we work with each other. Importantly, they motivate us to deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients and the communities that we're part of.



Consistently recognised as one of The Times Best Law Firms and highly ranked across the legal directories, we are proud of our hard-earned reputation. Our 2023/24 financial results confirmed both revenue and profit growth for an eleventh consecutive year, ensuring our ability to continue investing in our people.



Looking to the future, we're targeting ambitious growth and success. And we're looking for the best people to be part of it.

Join a team of experts and progressive thinkers

We are looking for a solicitor to join our successful, highly respected, vibrant and growing team in the Commercial and Infrastructure Department, to focus on infrastructure projects, including commercial and complex PFI and PPP contract work across awide range of sectors, including Health, Education, Social Care, Police and Custodial, Fire Service, Leisure and Culture, Housing, Office Accommodation, Highways and Street Lighting.



You will be joining a highly experienced team. We advise both the public and private sectors, working closely with NISTA (previously the IPA) and Government Departments on award winning, high profile projects and complex contractual arrangements (including PFI and PPP contracts) across a range of sectors.



The team also advise on high value outsourcing, managed services contracts, shared service arrangements, partnership and strategic alliance arrangements, joint ventures, commercialisation and new ways of working in the public sector across the UK and internationally.



You will be a part of a team who take a multi-disciplinary approach and work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm with in-depth specialisms, for example in construction, finance, disputes, employment, pensions, property, corporate, information governance, IT/IP, procurement, governance and subsidy control.



We are one of the UK's leading legal and regulatory advisors and areTier 1/Band 1Ranked in Health and Local Government in Chambers and Legal 500.



"The team were extremely knowledgeable and subject matter experts in terms of intricate PFI Agreements. The individuals were very personable and related extremely well to the subject and any issues that arose" (

Legal 500 )



For the last eight years, we have been shortlisted for'Legal Advisor of the Year'at the Partnerships Awards, which bring together key decision-makers from the public and private sector to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in PPPs.



In December 2024 we won the "Best Advisory Support in a Project" award at the Operational PPP Awards. We were also shortlisted in the "Best Operational/Handback Support in a Project" category. The awards were held as part of the inaugural Operational PPP Summit, (which aims to highlight best practice in the industry) where we were involved in a range of sessions, panels and talks.



We have also been recognised in a number of other sector specific awards including:


winner at theHealth Investor Awardsfor seven years shortlisted Litigation team of the yearThe Lawyer Awards 2024 winner or a finalist at theLaing Buisson Health Awardsfor the last five years


We frequently attend industry events, including recent events hosted by the International Project Finance Association (IPFA), Partnerships Bulletin and the British Services Association (BSA).

The role

As a member of the team, you will have a role in advising our clients on contracts and transactions relating to infrastructure projects, including in respect of services provided to the underlying buildings / facilities, delivered via public private partnerships (PPPs) (including Private Finance Initiative (PFI)). Our clients include NHS bodies, local authorities, central government and agencies and private sector providers.



This is a really exciting time for the team (and also the PFI/PPP market) and the role will provide opportunities to advise on increased contract management activity, project expiry and handback issues and arrangements for post-PFI service delivery for both existing and new clients.



On a day to day basis you will be supporting colleagues and clients on a range of exciting and high value PFI/PPP matters. The underlying work involves contract drafting, interpretation and negotiation aspects plus also transaction work as matters are taken forward to completion.



Your role:


To assist the team on the delivery of projects and commercial transactions to both public and private sector clients. Advise on all aspects of commercial transactions, from options appraisal to delivery and implementation of solutions, including contract drafting, negotiation and completion (including the approval of the parties to enter into the transaction). Become experienced in PPP/PFI projects and assist with advice on operational contract management, contract interpretation, works and services variations, contract expiry and future service provision. Be a valued member of a strong team of lawyers specialising in this area, trained and developed by senior members of the team and supported by peers including other 0-3 year qualified lawyers, in a friendly and inclusive environment. Work with colleagues across the firm in other specialisms (e.g employment, property, construction) to support our client's projects and commercial transactions.


You will have:


access to high quality and interesting work, no two days are the same; access to tailored training (including in respect of PFI/PPP projects); the opportunity to engage directly and regularly with clients and attend client meetings; the opportunity to develop your skills and your career, having responsibility appropriate to your knowledge and expertise; the opportunity to develop your business development skills, network with other colleagues across the firm, other firms, clients and intermediaries; and the opportunity to join in our Responsible Business activities across the firm.

What we are looking for from you

0-3 years' PQE. Experience in contract drafting and interpretation and advice on contracts. Experience in assisting in the transaction work involved in putting in place contracts and/or variations to existing contracts. Experience in advising on commercial contracts, preferably including in relation to infrastructure assets (including their ongoing maintenance) and complex contractual structures, including PFI/PPP projects - this would be beneficial although not essential. Knowledge of PFI/PPP contracting structures (this is beneficial, but not essential) Experience (ideally) in advising public sector organisations (including central government, health bodies and local authorities) or advising the private sector on contracts with the public sector - this would be beneficial although not essential. Strong technical skills and an ability to understand and work through an issue with an aptitude for clear drafting and legal analysis. A positive and flexible approach. Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively. Excellent attention to detail in written work (including contract drafting, written advice and communication). The ability to, or experience of, working in a team and coordinating advice with fee earners across a team. The ability to work across legal departments with others as part of a project/contracts team The ability to deliver clear, precise advice. A demonstrable ability to adopt a practical and commercial approach to legal issues. The ability to liaise effectively with clients and build relationships. The ability to operate with a high level of self-sufficiency combined with an awareness of own abilities. A genuine interest in business development understanding that, as a 0-3 year lawyer a key focus will be understanding your part in retaining and winning new instructions from existing clients, but you will also have the opportunity to work with senior lawyers to attract new business


One of the key attributes that we look for in applicants is a passion to learn, enthusiasm and the desire to excel as a lawyer. We are also looking for a team player, who enjoys delivering projects and is keen to share knowledge, skills and experience for the benefit of the wider team.



We will provide you with a range of support through a structured and bespoke development programme that will allow you to gain excellent experience, enhance your professional and personal development and offers transparent and achievable career progression opportunities.

Work with approachable people

When we ask colleagues what makes Bevan Brittan a great place to work, the most popular thing they say is "the people". The overwhelming consensus is that we make time for each other. We welcome questions and support each other. Naturally, we look for new colleagues who align with our values.

Supported to be your best

Hybrid working

We operate a hybrid working model based on the needs of our clients, teams and people. Our core business hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday to Friday, but we're open to our people working more flexibly around those times and welcome a conversation with you if you have any questions about this. We try to offer you the flexibility to work your week in a way that suits you.

Learning, Development & Progression

We're committed to supporting your professional and personal development needs.This means that we offer a range of tailored training courses and you will have lots of opportunity to learn from those around you. We actively encourage progression and this is reflected in our annual review and promotion processes. You will be supported by your line manager to achieve your full potential.

Wellbeing

As a Bevan Brittan employee, you'll have access to a variety of services that support your wellbeing. We've pledged our commitment to The Mindful Business Charter and lots of our people contribute to our Wellbeing Responsible Business strand, which organises an annual calendar of wellbeing events and initiatives.

Benefits

A minimum of 25 days holiday (plus the option to buy up to an additional 5 days) Discretionary bonus scheme Generous pension scheme Private medical insurance through Vitality Biennial private health assessment through Nuffield Health Life assurance Access to Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to work scheme

Embracing our differences and valuing inclusion

Our shared aim is that everyone is welcome and can feel comfortable being themselves at Bevan Brittan. To support this, we actively value and promote equality, diversity and inclusion in everything that we do. You'll be empowered and supported through our employee led networks, diverse colleagues, and a broad range of firmwide initiatives.



Recognising the unique contributions that a diverse workforce can bring to our business, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We take great pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or have any questions, please get in touch with our recruitment team by emailing recruitment@bevanbrittan.com

Acting responsibly, now and for the future

To us, being a responsible business is second nature; a core part of Bevan Brittan's identity. Our colleagues are heavily involved in shaping and delivering activity across the four pillars of our Responsible Business strategy : Community Engagement; Environmental Sustainability; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; and Wellbeing.



Our people deliver pro bono legal work for charities and not-for-profit organisations. We play an active role in our local communities and donated 100,000 across our four regional office charities last year. We are also proudly carbon neutral. We've achieved the UN's Climate Neutral Now accreditation and our environmental sustainability plan focuses on achieving our net zero carbon target by 2040.


Collectively, the four pillars ensure we look after our colleagues' wellbeing; offer an environment in which everyone can progress on merit, give something back to the communities in which we work; and protect the environment.