Articles From the Team

Work for Construction Lawyers is set to increase

Leeds is heading for further development as two major shopping centres and Leeds Arena are set to bring around £1.25 billion of investment into the area.

Work has already started on Trinity shopping development and further plans to inject around £800 million on the development of Eastgate are underway.

It is anticipated that the new plans will make Leeds a tourist destination and will increase overall employment and wealth in the city.

The revised plans are also designed to ensure the development is energy-efficient. Green leases will be introduced with tenants, working towards energy efficiency, waste reduction, and greener shop fits.

The city’s Arena project is also sparking interest. Construction Leeds Project Manager Rob Wolfe said:

"The Arena project is a significant regeneration initiative that will bring major benefits for Leeds' construction industry and those working in it….For community groups, we are giving them given the golden opportunity to visit the venue during its 22-month building phase. We are really excited to be able to offer guided tours of the arena while it's being constructed."

These projects will have a major knock on effect for the City’s construction lawyers and I have personally been involved in mass recruitment for construction lawyers in the area for the big ‘six’ firms in Leeds as well as some of the medium sized commercial firms. Candidates with both contentious and non contentious construction experience have been in demand.

I dealt with a candidate relocating to Yorkshire. He had 5 interviews arranged in the space of 1 day and offers made on the day of interview. Firms’ are aware that solicitors with relevant experience are in short supply and are pulling out all stops to facilitate recruitment. Incentives such as relocation packages were offered on top of high salaries and excellent benefits to attract the talent. This particular candidate came away very satisfied and a lot more wealthy as a result!

I foresee this trend continuing and would be happy to speak to construction candidates at all levels about opportunities in Yorkshire.