Contentious Construction Associate – 2-4 PQE

Location: London

Role type: Permanent

Practice area: Construction, Engineering & Projects (Contentious)

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Contentious Construction Associate (2-4 PQE) to join its well‑regarded Construction, Engineering & Projects team in London. The team advises on major domestic and international construction and engineering projects, providing a complete service from procurement and contract drafting through to dispute avoidance and dispute resolution.

The practice represents an exceptional client base, including real estate developers, housebuilders, property investment companies, contractors, subcontractors, engineering consultancies and private clients involved in high‑value residential projects.

The Role

This position offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of contentious and advisory construction matters, with growing emphasis on disputes. As an Associate, you will take on high levels of responsibility and regular client exposure. Work will include:

• Acting on complex and high‑value construction disputes, including adjudications, arbitrations and Technology & Construction Court (TCC) litigation.
• Advising on dispute avoidance strategies and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and expert determination.
• Handling varied disputes such as final account claims, delay and disruption, build quality issues, construction insolvency, bond claims, fire‑safety and cladding issues, and insurance‑related matters.
• Advising developers, funders, employers, contractors, subcontractors, government bodies and professional teams on dispute processes and project‑related issues.
• Working collaboratively on large‑scale matters and delivering a high standard of client service.
• Assisting with drafting and reviewing construction contracts, consultant appointments, warranties, bonds, guarantees and other project documentation.
• Contributing to know‑how, team development, and business development initiatives.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales with 2-4 years’ PQE.
• Strong experience in contentious construction, including adjudication, TCC litigation, arbitration and/or other forms of dispute resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and confidence dealing with clients, witnesses and technical experts.
• Strong organisational, time‑management and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a close‑knit team.
• A flexible, proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of matters.
• Experience with fire‑safety issues and related litigation (advantageous but not essential).

Core Competencies

• Collaborative teamworking
• Professional integrity
• Inclusive mindset
• Strong personal impact
• High standards and attention to detail
• Commercial awareness
• Client‑centric approach
• Responsibility and accountability

Hybrid Working

The firm offers hybrid and flexible working arrangements, tailored to the needs of the role and subject to team requirements.

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

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