Associate: Construction Law – Disputes and Corporate/Commercial - Johannesburg at Bowmans (Law Firm)

THE BRIEF

Bowmans’ Construction team is looking for a qualified junior construction lawyer to join its young and dynamic team.  The team is ranked in both Chambers and Partners and Legal500, servicing international and domestic clients in projects and construction. The team has a strong focus on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters and is closely involved on various Projects and Infrastructure matters with Bowmans’ Project Finance team.  The candidate will be working on contentious and non-contentious construction matters and may at times support the Project Finance team.

The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of construction law at a reputable law firm and be willing to work as part of a team that is client focused and quality driven.  They will be fully committed to building a career as a construction lawyer in the Bowmans family.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admitted attorney with 1-3 years post admission experience in Construction law is a requirement
• LLB degree with strong academic record
• Proficient in the English language – written and verbal

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Basic drafting and reviewing construction and project related contracts and legal documentation at an appropriate level
• Providing support in construction disputes
• Reviewing and interpreting legislation
• Researching and keeping up to date with market and sectors
• Working with experts, counsel and other professionals
• Due diligence reports and similar
• Being a key resource to support the team in providing highest quality of service to clients
• Effective and efficient delegation to and management of candidate attorneys
• Taking part in firm initiatives such as pro bono work and ongoing training

SKILLS

Legal Technical skills

• Workable knowledge of construction law and good understanding of standard form construction and professional services contracts such as FIDIC, NEC and JBCC
• Sound knowledge of court processes and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms with the ability to properly manage a matter and attend to basic instructions including discovery of documents, briefs to counsel, drafting of letters/advice notes, preparation of dispute submissions etc.
• Ability to work with technical and commercial documents in the contentious and non-contentious matters
• Possesses the legal technical skill to understand client requirements against the legal issues in order to deliver excellent client service and legally sound documents
• Able to articulate advice, and legal issues and positions effectively both in writing and verbally
• Ability to apply theory in a practical and commercially astute manner with an appreciation of commercial rationale and the ability to ask or discuss issues
• Set priorities, manage schedules and plan accordingly in a high-pressure environment

Communication

• Able to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly
• Able to execute instructions accurately and efficiently
• Produce documents that are well structured, with the correct use of grammar and language
• Takes responsibility and accountability
• Values constructive criticism and team support in determining and reaching developmental goals

Computer Literacy

• Proficient in Word and Outlook
• Knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Good understanding of research tools such as Juta Law
• General IT competency in order to learn and use various firm specific tools

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Responsible and accountable with an excellent work ethic
• Having a pro-active approach
• Good matter management and time management skills
• Ability to work well under pressure without compromising work quality or standards
• Ability to handle high volumes of workload and managing tight deadlines
• Contributes to a team culture of mutual respect
• Displays utmost honesty and integrity at all times
• Good people skills