Solicitor – In House Position

Would you like to be part of an employee-owned, multi award-winning architecture practice whose desire is to make spaces and places that improve lives?

We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Birmingham, 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 Junior Solicitor, Legal Executive or Return-to-Work Solicitor to join our team, supporting commercial contracts and regulatory procedures. Working closely with our General Counsel and wider commercial services team, you’ll play an important role in supporting colleagues across the business.

This role would particularly suit someone early in their legal career, or someone returning to the profession and looking to rebuild confidence in a supportive environment.

What you’ll be doing

Reviewing contracts, warranties and appointments with clients and suppliers

Tracking responses and supporting with contract processes

Helping identify and manage legal, commercial, insurance and compliance risks

Drafting and supporting the preparation of legal documents

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

Has an understanding of Contract Law, commercial agreements and internal compliance procedures (through qualification, training or experience)

May have some exposure to the construction industry and construction contracts (helpful but not essential)

Is able to draft legal documentation

Is organised and able to manage a range of tasks and competing demands, with support where needed

Can communicate clearly and build positive working relationships

Has a thoughtful and confident approach to risk and decision-making

Enjoys working collaboratively with different teams

Working with us

We offer:

A blended and flexible approach to working (studio and remote)

A friendly, supportive studio culture

An award-winning lifestyle and wellbeing package

Ongoing development through HLM Academy

We are particularly interested in building our team in Glasgow and Cardiff and welcome applicants who can connect with one of these locations.

We provide a friendly studio environment, an award-winning Lifestyle Package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy. We are also a 100% Employee Owned Trust, which means our employees have a sense of ownership, a say in our direction and are rewarded for the part they play in our future success.

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging matter deeply to us. We want everyone to feel welcome and supported to thrive. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, just let our HR team know and we’ll be happy to support you.

If you think this role could be for you, please send your CV and examples of your work.

Those shortlisted will be contacted.

HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Glasgow studio

Cardiff studio

Working at HLM

We offer a blended work model with a flexible approach to studio and remote working, recognising lifestyles are complex and we all have competing responsibilities. Our SMARTBlend approach supports job sharing, part-time, term time and staggered hours, home working, back to work schemes for parents, keeping in touch days, career breaks, sabbaticals and condensed hours. We recognise no one size fits all. Providing a great studio environment is only part of the equation and flexible ways of working gives us more richness, diversity and choice for how we can work most effectively.

We are committed to supporting our employees with their well-being. Employees can access resources through our Health cash plan and EAP scheme such as a screening and self-management app which contains a range of evidence-based techniques and access to a human-led therapy service. We also have a team of qualified Mental Health First Aiders across our studios, who work together to support staff and raise awareness through regular campaigns.

The HLM Academy supports everyone along their career pathway – capturing passions, driving innovation, and developing the necessary skills to navigate our ever-evolving world. We recognise learning is not just a one-off event. From fostering an inclusive mindset to leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, we’re committed to lifelong learning. And through the Academy and our MentoringPLUS programme, we provide our employees with access to the tools, resources and opportunities to succeed. We support everyone to become firmly established in their role by helping to lay strong foundations and develop the skills and experience necessary to thrive.

SMARTBlend

We offer a blended work model with a flexible approach to studio and remote working, recognising lifestyles are complex and we all have competing responsibilities. Our SMARTBlend approach supports job sharing, part-time, term time and staggered hours, home working, back to work schemes for parents, keeping in touch days, career breaks, sabbaticals and condensed hours. We recognise no one size fits all. Providing a great studio environment is only part of the equation and flexible ways of working gives us more richness, diversity and choice for how we can work most effectively.

Wellness and recognition

We are committed to supporting our employees with their well-being. Employees can access resources through our Health cash plan and EAP scheme such as a screening and self-management app which contains a range of evidence-based techniques and access to a human-led therapy service. We also have a team of qualified Mental Health First Aiders across our studios, who work together to support staff and raise awareness through regular campaigns.

HLM Academy

The HLM Academy supports everyone along their career pathway – capturing passions, driving innovation, and developing the necessary skills to navigate our ever-evolving world. We recognise learning is not just a one-off event. From fostering an inclusive mindset to leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, we’re committed to lifelong learning. And through the Academy and our MentoringPLUS programme, we provide our employees with access to the tools, resources and opportunities to succeed. We support everyone to become firmly established in their role by helping to lay strong foundations and develop the skills and experience necessary to thrive.

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