Construction Disputes Senior Associate - Top Tier Legal 500 Ranked Team

The Role

An international law firm is seeking an experienced construction litigator to join its growing Construction team, focusing on UK-based building projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dynamic and expanding practice. The firm has a market-leading Building Safety team, providing strategic advice in a complex and rapidly evolving legal environment. The successful candidate will work closely with partners and colleagues on high-profile matters for major corporate clients, contributing to innovative and industry-defining legal work.

The team advises developers, contractors, sub-contractors, construction companies, and real estate investment funds, representing them in mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage contentious construction matters and dispute advisory work across all forms of dispute resolution, including ADR, expert determination, adjudication (and related enforcement in the TCC), arbitration, and litigation.
• Handle cases independently across a wide range of issues, including final account and delay claims, build quality disputes, construction insolvency, bond and insurance claims, professional indemnity matters, and fire and structural safety claims under new legislation.
• Provide clear, commercial, and technically sound legal advice to clients, assessing risk and developing practical, strategic solutions in collaboration with partners and colleagues.
• Lead matters from inception to completion, including project management, supervision, and delegation to junior team members.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services.
• Instruct and liaise with counsel and experts where required.
• Lead and attend client, counsel, and opposing party meetings.
• Keep up to date with developments in contentious construction law and share insights and best practices across the team.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in contentious construction work gained at a leading law firm or equivalent professional environment.
• Strong understanding of adjudication, arbitration, and litigation procedures.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and confidence when engaging with clients, counsel, and other stakeholders.
• The ability to develop long-term client relationships and provide commercially focused, strategic advice.
• Solid technical knowledge of construction and real estate issues.
• A pragmatic, solutions-driven approach with sound judgment.
• Attention to detail, clear drafting, and confident advocacy skills.
• A proactive attitude toward business development and profile-raising activities.
• The ability to supervise, mentor, and support junior team members.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days’ annual leave
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loan
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

About the Firm

This international law firm offers a full-service practice with a strong reputation for both business law and private wealth. Its clients range from major corporates and institutions to entrepreneurial ventures, family offices, and private equity-backed businesses.

The firm is known for its straightforward, personal, and pragmatic approach, providing an appealing alternative to larger, more rigid firms.

Its culture encourages creativity, collaboration, and authenticity. Everyone is supported to grow professionally and personally, guided by values that emphasise integrity, smart thinking, and individuality.

In addition to client work, the firm provides opportunities to participate in pro bono initiatives, community projects, and a variety of social and wellbeing activities, fostering a balanced and rewarding workplace.