Contentious Construction Associate

Contentious Construction Associate (3–6 PQE)
London
£97,000 + hybrid working + full benefits package

You’ll join a specialist construction disputes team acting on some of the most high-profile projects and cases in the UK and major commercial redevelopments and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

You’ll work with market-leading partners across a broad spread of litigation, adjudication, arbitration and strategic advisory matters. Clients include investment funds, developers, contractors and cultural institutions across sectors like infrastructure, PFI, heritage, and real estate. This is a high-impact role with a clear route for development, autonomy from day one, and outstanding long-term support.

You’ll be encouraged to take ownership of your matters, develop your own network, and contribute to the next chapter of a team that’s growing in both size and reputation.

What you’ll do

• Advise on complex construction and engineering disputes across sectors including energy, real estate, PFI, and major projects.
• Act on live project advisory work, High Court litigation (TCC), domestic and international arbitration, and adjudications.
• Draft and interpret contracts under JCT, NEC, and FIDIC forms.
• Handle claims involving payment, delay, extensions of time, defects, termination, insolvency, and professional negligence.
• Collaborate closely with partners and contribute to client development, marketing initiatives, and supervision of junior fee earners.

What you’ll need

• 3–6 years’ PQE as a qualified solicitor in England & Wales.
• A strong track record in contentious construction law, including experience with JCT, NEC, or FIDIC.
• Excellent legal drafting, analysis, and client-facing communication skills.
• A proactive approach to business development, with a commitment to building your network.
• The ability to manage complex cases with precision and a commercial mindset.

Why this role?
You’ll advise on disputes that make headlines and projects that shape cities. The work is varied, strategic, and always high quality. With a flat structure, you’ll have direct partner access, room to grow, and a voice in the direction of the team. Whether you're supporting a major redevelopment or advising on contract strategy, your contribution will be visible, valued, and rewarded.

About the team
The construction team forms part of the wider dispute resolution department and is known for its sector expertise and commercial approach. Clients include developers, main and specialist contractors, investment funds, and cultural institutions. The team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and highly respected across the market.

About the firm
You’ll be joining a progressive London law firm with a strong reputation in construction, commercial disputes, real estate, and private capital. The firm is known for its entrepreneurial mindset, inclusive culture, and commitment to flexibility, wellbeing, and long-term careers.

With hybrid working (2 days remote), 26 days’ holiday plus buy/sell options, enhanced parental leave, and a wide range of physical, mental, and financial wellbeing programmes, the firm offers a supportive environment where talented lawyers thrive.

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