Contentious Construction Lawyer – Associate, 3PQE+, Dubai

Addleshaw Goddard; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Addleshaw Goddard’s Middle East Construction practice seeks a Construction Associate with a focus on contentious work. You’ll work with partners, engage directly with clients on high-value disputes arising from major projects in the Middle East, and manage litigation and arbitration, drafting pleadings, and liaising with experts.

You’ll draft and review a wide range of legal documents, conduct detailed research, and stay updated on local and international construction law.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ post-qualification experience in construction law, focused on contentious matters.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters efficiently, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of client service.
• Excellent drafting skills, with confidence in preparing legally effective documents tailored to client needs.
• Committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and contributing to the team’s success.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and resilient under pressure, with a genuine interest in understanding clients’ objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation and arbitration proceedings, including case strategies, pleadings, submissions, hearings, and liaison with experts.
• Draft and review a wide range of legal documents and conduct detailed construction law research.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and exceptional client service to construction disputes clients across the Middle East.
• Contribute to the firm’s growth and success in the Middle East construction disputes practice across various markets.

Skills

Construction law

Client service

Drafting skills

Time management

Litigation & arbitration

Job description

The purpose of this role is to support Addleshaw Goddard’s Middle East Construction practice by delivering high-quality legal advice on contentious construction matters to our clients across the region. You will play a vital role in providing exceptional client service, upholding AG’s reputation for excellence, and contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the firm’s construction disputes practice in the Middle East.

What You\'ll Do

• As a Construction Associate at AG focusing on contentious work, you will be working alongside experienced partners and engaging directly with clients on high-value, complex disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East.
• You will be responsible for managing litigation and arbitration proceedings, which includes preparing case strategies, drafting pleadings and submissions, attending hearings, and liaising with experts and witnesses.
• Your role will also involve drafting and reviewing a wide range of legal documents, conducting detailed legal research on construction law issues, and staying abreast of developments in both local and international construction law.
• You will be part of a team that delivers a comprehensive suite of specialist construction and infrastructure dispute services, with a particular focus on major projects for both public and private sector clients. The work spans a broad spectrum of markets and sectors, including Real Estate, Energy and Utilities, Industrials, Retail and Consumer, Transport, and Healthcare, as well as our market-leading Managing Risk service.

Who We\'re Looking For

• At least 3 years’ post-qualification experience in construction law, ideally gained at a leading or mid-tier firm, with a focus on contentious matters.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters efficiently, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of client service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent drafting skills, with confidence in preparing legally effective documents tailored to client needs.
• Committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and contributing to the team’s success.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and resilient under pressure, with a genuine interest in understanding clients’ objectives to deliver impactful advice.