Associate - Construction Disputes

London | 2-5 PQE

About the Team

Construction is a cornerstone practice area within this leading UK law firm, with a highly regarded national team recognised for its expertise in contentious construction matters. The team advises a diverse client base across both the public and private sectors, acting for developers, contractors, consultants, government bodies, social housing providers and other key industry stakeholders.

The practice handles a broad range of complex disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects. Its lawyers work across all major standard form contracts, including JCT, NEC, ICE and FIDIC, as well as PFI arrangements and bespoke contractual frameworks.

Due to continued growth in client demand, the firm is looking to appoint an Associate to join its London-based Construction Disputes team.

The Opportunity

Working as part of a national contentious construction practice, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple UK offices and gain exposure to a varied and high-quality caseload. The role offers the opportunity to advise on domestic matters while also becoming involved in international disputes where appropriate.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising on a broad range of contentious construction matters.
• Managing and supporting alternative dispute resolution processes, including adjudication, mediation and pre-action protocol claims.
• Assisting with litigation and other formal dispute resolution proceedings.
• Providing strategic advice on dispute avoidance and risk management.
• Advising on contractual interpretation issues across a range of construction contracts.
• Handling professional negligence claims arising within the construction sector.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Working closely with colleagues across other offices and practice groups.
• Supporting business development initiatives and contributing to the growth of the practice.
• Participating in internal training and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Ensuring files and matters are managed in line with regulatory and quality standards.

About You

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with between 2 and 5 years' post-qualification experience and a genuine interest in construction disputes.

You will ideally have:

• Experience of contentious construction work within a recognised construction practice.
• Exposure to adjudication and other forms of dispute resolution in the UK construction sector.
• Experience of, or an interest in, international construction arbitration.
• Strong knowledge of standard form construction contracts, including JCT, NEC and FIDIC.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• A proactive and commercially minded approach.
• A demonstrated interest in business development and client relationship management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative, flexible and enthusiastic attitude.