Contentious Construction Lawyer – Associate, NQ - 3PQE, Dubai

Addleshaw Goddard LLP; Dubai; On-site; AED 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Dubai is seeking a Construction Associate to support its Middle East construction disputes practice. You will handle high-value contentious matters from contract negotiation to dispute resolution, including arbitration and litigation, across the GCC region.

The role offers exposure to major infrastructure and real estate projects, with early responsibility and a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Newly qualified to 3 years' post-qualification experience in construction law.
• Strong ability to provide clear, practical legal advice on complex matters.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple matters with deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent drafting skills tailored to client needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation and arbitration proceedings arising from major construction disputes.
• Draft pleadings, submissions and related court/tribunal documents; attend hearings.
• Provide high-quality legal advice on construction law developments in the Middle East.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to deliver effective dispute resolution strategies.

Skills

Construction law

Litigation & arbitration

Drafting skills

Client service

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

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.

THETEAM

The Real Estate Division is one of Addleshaw Goddard's largest and most significant practice areas. Within this division, our Construction and Engineering Team plays a central role and reflects the firm's deep commitment to the sector. Our team is actively engaged with all facets of the GCC construction industry, providing comprehensive legal support to a diverse client base.

With a proven track record in resolving a wide range of construction disputes, our GCC team advises on every stage of the project lifecycle, from contract negotiation and project delivery to dispute resolution, including arbitration, litigation, and all forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). We have extensive experience advising clients on major projects across the energy and utilities, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and real estate sectors throughout the GCC.

Our construction practice continues to attract exciting new instructions from both longstanding and new clients, and we are focused on further strengthening our market-leading offering. The team advises sponsors, funders, developers, employers, contractors, sub-contractors, and professional teams on project procurement strategies (including facilities management) and on dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms across the Middle East.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THISROLE

• 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.
• Youwill 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.
• Yourrole 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.
• Youwill 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.
• At AG, you can expect early responsibility and the opportunity to take ownership of matters, supported by a high-performing, cohesive, and busy team. The environment is both challenging and supportive, designed to stretch your abilities while fostering professional growth.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• Newly qualified to 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.

Our FIRM

Our story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. We believe results follow relationships, so we work closely with each other, and develop deep client connections to deliver.

Our award-winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down to earth and inclusive environment. We do the right things in the right ways, combining commercial excellence and innovative thinking with teamwork. Together, we deliver excellence, achieve stand out solutions, and enable career-defining opportunities.