We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Belfast and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 20 largest practices in the UK this year, other recent accolades include:
AJ100 List of UK’s Top Architectural Practices 2025
Best Companies Top 10 Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for 2025
Shortlisted, AJ100 Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Social Value Architect of the Year 2025
Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
Highly Commended, MMC Awards – Architectural Practice of the Year 2025
We are looking for a Qualified Junior Solicitor/Legal Executive/ /Return to Work Solicitor responsible for commercial contracts and regulatory procedures. Working closely with General Counsel and other commercial service team members, you will provide support across the entire business. You will be required to assist with;
Evaluating and reviewing contracts, warranties and appointments with clients and suppliers;
Monitoring client/supplier responses and other procedural issues, and
Identifying and managing potential legal, commercial and insurance/compliance related risks.
Skills & Knowledge Requirements
An understanding of Contract Law, and c ommercial contracts, associated risks and internal compliance procedures.
An understanding of the construction industry and construction contracts would be useful.
The ability to draft legal documents.
Able to project manage and prioritise competing demands.
Have strong verbal and written communication skills and notable attention to detail.
Possess commercial awareness and confidence in their decision making.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to work collaboratively across all levels within the business.
Experience & qualifications
2 years minimum PQE or associated Regulatory and Compliance Associate role.
We offer a blended work model with a flexible approach to studio and remote working, along with a friendly studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy and we are open to applications for both full time and part time employment.
We are particularly interested in candidates who are able to commute to our Glasgow or Cardiff studio.
Diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) is at the core of our business. We advocate equal opportunities, creating an inclusive working environment for all. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different mode please contact our HR team for assistance.
If this position sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, please apply through our website and send your CV.
HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We are an Employee-Owned architectural practice with a proud 61-year history of producing places and spaces that improve people’s lives. With a design philosophy that puts people at its centre, it is our mission to delight clients and users, making memorable places which evoke positive emotional responses.
We strive to create buildings that respond to their context and climate, as well as our client’s budget, and we consequently don’t have a ‘signature-style’. Every design evolves as a solution to a unique set of challenges that we approach with ‘signature-thinking’ – this is a creative, thoughtful, and fun process that allows the character and ideas of each project to flourish in their own delightful way - we call this ‘Thoughtful Design’.
We have received broad and far-reaching accolades for our designs, including:
◽️ Building Magazine's Architectural Practice of the Year 2023
◽️ BCIA Digital Initiative of the Year 2023
◽️ Winner of two Structural Timber awards 2023
◽️ Offsite Awards Architect of the Year and Winner of Winners 2023
◽️ Triple winner at Glasgow Institute of Architects awards 2023
Our true reward is knowing that we can improve wellbeing - not only in our design approach, but inside and outside of the business too. We pride ourselves on a diverse workforce and inclusive culture, promoted at board level by our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Group and enhanced by our connect day activities. Reflective of our culture, we received the AJ100 Employer of the Year Award 2020 and 2021, and are recognized as a three-star accredited, ‘world-class’ Best Company Employer.
We are passionate about improving social mobility, opening new avenues into the profession and encouraging younger generations to pursue their ambitions. Our teams are regularly involved in outreach programs, we have teamed up with Speakers for Schools and RIBA Learning, and signed up to the Social Mobility Pledge, the Lord Mayor of London Pledge, See-It-Be-It Sheffield and DYW Glasgow.
