To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, which took place on 8 March, BE News is running a series of interviews with inspirational women who work across the built environment sector
Name: Seema Agrawal
Job title: Non-contentious construction associate at Mishcon de Reya
What I do: I draft and negotiate construction agreements for a wide range of clients across the construction and real estate field, which principally includes developers, funders, landlords, purchasers and high-net-worth individuals. My work covers building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties and associated ancillary documents. I work on developments in a variety of sectors, such as student accommodation, hotels, office and retail parks. I also provide construction support to our real estate finance, commercial real estate and corporate teams.
Why I got into the property industry: I enjoyed studying land law related modules at university, which led me to take advanced commercial property on the Legal Practise Course (LPC) and land my first property paralegal job. I appreciate the tangible nature of construction law – there is something genuinely exciting about contributing to projects that physically shape the skyline and leave a lasting mark on the city.
How I did it: I started as a paralegal in the team and realised that I enjoyed construction law and wanted to qualify into it. Rather than taking the traditional training contract route, I qualified through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and subsequently cross-qualified with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. It was not the most conventional path, but it was the right one for me and it taught me resilience and persistence along the way.
My first proper job: After completing the LPC, I secured a role as a property paralegal at a high street firm. While it was valuable experience and gave me exposure to property transactions, I quickly realised I was drawn to more complex, higher-value work. That realisation led me to seek out a role at my current firm, where I found the scale and sophistication of matters I was looking for.
My first big break: I am not sure I can point to a single defining moment, but qualifying as a solicitor was a significant milestone. My route took three years for my law degree, a further year for my LPC and four years as a paralegal before qualifying. The length of the journey made it all the more meaningful when I got there.
My inspiration(s): My parents. They have worked incredibly hard and given me a wonderful life, and I hope to honour that by doing the same. Their work ethic and quiet determination have shaped the way I approach everything I do, both professionally and personally.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: The construction legal industry has seen significant change in recent years. The introduction of the new JCT 2024 suite has required careful analysis of updated provisions and clear guidance to clients on how those changes affect projects. At the same time, evolving building safety legislation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy has fundamentally reshaped how we approach fire safety, risk allocation and the procurement of duty holders. Navigating this shifting landscape has been challenging, but also an incredibly interesting time to practice construction law.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Advising on the construction aspects of the development of a 36-storey tower in the City of London and having the opportunity to abseil down it for charity.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That construction law is just about buildings. In reality, it is about risk allocation – covering risk transfer and indemnities, payment mechanisms, delay, disruption and extensions of time, professional negligence and insurance structures. It is commercial chess, with concrete as the backdrop.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Construction law is a niche practice area and there remains a surprising lack of awareness of the need for specialist construction lawyers, even within the wider legal profession. Construction law intersects with many other areas – energy and infrastructure, real estate development, public procurement, insolvency and international arbitration – yet it is often an afterthought.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: As an ethnic minority woman, I believe in the importance of visible representation – both in construction law and in the wider built environment industry. Construction is historically male-dominated and I think it’s important that the industry actively works to diversify, whether in construction law, project management, quantity surveying or engineering. Representation matters because it signals to others that there is a place for them in the industry too.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to be a managing associate, running matters independently, supervising and mentoring junior colleagues and continuing to develop my expertise in construction law.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: My grandma who passed away a few years ago. There are a lot of questions I wish I had asked her.
What I do in my downtime: When I am not working, I am usually planning my next trip – I have a passion for travel and exploring new cultures, and I love finding the perfect spot to watch a sunset. I also enjoy going to the ballet and watching musicals and plays. Outside of the arts, I read fiction, try new restaurants and activities, and spend quality time with my family and friends.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: A travel photographer, combining my love for travel and photography – or perhaps a personal organiser.
My advice for someone just starting out: Keep at it. The path is not always linear, and it will not always be easy, but patience, dedication and diligence pay off. Do not be discouraged if your route looks different from those around you – sometimes the longer road teaches you the most. Find an area of law that genuinely excites you and invest in it.
My motto/mantra: Work hard, be kind and never stop exploring.
