Are you a Commercial or Projects Lawyer with a knack for navigating the complexities of student accommodation?
If so, we would be keen to hear from you!
The role
We are looking to welcome an ambitious lawyer to our friendly and busy commercial team where you will work on public-private partnership arrangements. In particular, you will be working in one of the most dynamic and active markets: the procurement of student accommodation by universities.
Our team is regularly involved in high value and high profile projects, often with national importance, acting across a range of sectors for Government departments, contracting authorities and our private sector clients on a variety of complex and high value commercial contracts. Your main area of focus will be a variety of contractual arrangements linked to student accommodation; a market in which we are one of the leading firms, nationally. You will be advising universities and private sector consortia bidding on projects. Transactions will be varied. The work will include advice on: procurement strategies; joint venture arrangements; long-term project/operating agreements; complex project finance and income strip funding structures; long term facilities management arrangements. You will work closely with and co-ordinate advice from external financial and commercial advisers and our internal procurement, construction, planning, banking, corporate and real estate teams. You will be given early responsibility to run your own projects and matters, with support from the partners and other associates in the team. You therefore need to be a confident self-starter and happy to take the initiative.
The person
You will be 5+ years PQE.
What skills and attributes would I need?
* Relevant commercial/projects experience, including experience of advising on major commercial contracts;
* Experience working on project agreements in the wider PFI/PPP markets is a plus but not a requirement. Experience working on major real estate forward funding/development agreements would be considered;
* Strong drafting skills;
* Knowledge and experience of public procurement processes (including competitive dialogue) is a plus but not a requirement;
* Experience working with universities is also a plus but not a requirement;
* The ability to give clear, simple and pragmatic advice;
* Thoroughness in review of documents;
* Good inter-personal skills;
* The ability to establish a rapport with colleagues, clients and multipliers;
* The ability to work under pressure and often to tight deadlines;
* Enthusiasm; and
* A “can-do” attitude.
The activities
The Role Will Include
* Leading on major projects;
* Taking a lead on the team's ambition to do more in the market for “direct let” student accommodation, which is a separate market which does not involve partnership arrangements with Universities;
* Drafting and negotiating high value commercial contracts;
* Liaising with other specialists in the firm to ensure a seamless service;
* Undertaking and co-ordinating project management;
* Actively participating in business development initiatives and marketing events, including developing a network of contacts with other specialist advisers operating in the sector, preparation of tenders, attending pitches and attending client hospitality events;
* Mentoring and supervising junior members of the team.
The Benefits
As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
Pre-employment screening
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
The firm
Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.
We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,250 plus people and over 750 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients.
By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase! We're also ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and were recently awarded Platinum Investors in People.
And finally
Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
To find out more about our diversity and inclusion work, visit our website.
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