Associate/Senior Associate | Construction Disputes

Connected People; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Flexible work from home as needed

Modern office environment

Job summary

Connected People is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its construction disputes practice in Sydney. You will work closely with a Partner in a small team, building genuine expertise across the full project lifecycle and exposure to front-end matters as the practice grows.

You'll handle construction and commercial disputes, court proceedings, and security of payment issues, while developing strong client relationships and a long‑term career in construction law.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ PAE in commercial, civil or construction disputes.
• Experience in commercial or civil litigation or construction disputes.
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical skills.
• Ability to interact directly with clients and manage matters.

Responsibilities

• Handle construction and commercial disputes and related litigation.
• Manage court proceedings and security of payment matters.
• Oversee contractual disputes and risk management across projects.
• Provide advice during project delivery and handle post‑completion disputes.
• Interact with clients and attend client sites as required.

Skills

Specialisation in construction

Client interaction

Litigation experience

Drafting and analysis

Court proceedings experience

Security of Payment experience

Job description

If you’re a commercial or civil litigator who enjoys complex disputes but would like to develop a genuine specialisation, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

Our client is an established commercial law firm with a highly regarded construction practice and a strong, long-term client base across the commercial, industrial, education, health, hospitality, residential and infrastructure sectors.

Due to continued growth, the team is looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join its construction disputes practice.

The Opportunity

Working closely with an experienced Partner in a small, hands-on construction team, you’ll have the opportunity to develop genuine expertise across the full construction project lifecycle.

Your work will include:

• Construction and commercial disputes
• Court proceedings and litigation
• Security of Payment matters
• Contractual disputes and risk management
• Advice arising during project delivery
• Post-completion disputes
• Exposure to front-end construction matters as the practice continues to grow
• Direct interaction with clients and opportunities to attend client sites

The firm acts for a diverse range of construction industry participants, including developers, builders, contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, manufacturers, trades and subcontractors.

Importantly, you don’t need to already be a construction specialist. This could be an excellent move for a capable commercial or civil litigator who wants to build a long-term career in construction law.

Why Consider This Role?

Become a genuine specialist

You’ll work alongside experienced construction lawyers who are invested in developing your technical capability, with exposure to interesting disputes and the commercial realities sitting behind them.

Real client exposure

This isn’t a role where you’ll spend your career several layers removed from the client. You’ll gain exposure to a strong repeat-client base, learn where instructions come from and develop meaningful commercial relationships.

A firm that takes development seriously

There is a genuine focus on training and broader professional development, including leadership programs featuring speakers from business and other industries. Lawyers are also encouraged to understand their clients’ businesses and the technical issues behind construction projects, not simply the law.

Career development without a one-size-fits-all pathway

Not everyone wants to become a Partner, and that’s understood here. If your goal is instead to become an exceptional technical lawyer, that pathway will be supported too.

A grown-up culture

The firm has a hardworking team that takes pride in the quality of its work, while recognising that work isn’t everything. There is a collaborative approach to learning, a good gender mix across levels and a professional but down-to-earth environment.

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in specialising in construction disputes
• Confidence dealing directly with clients and taking increasing ownership of matters
• 3+ years’ PAE
• Commercial litigation, civil litigation and/or construction disputes experience
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical skills
• Exposure to running or assisting with court proceedings
• Security of Payment experience would be advantageous, but isn’t essential

The Package & Environment

• Competitive market salary
• Bonus structure
• Full-time permanent position
• Sydney CBD location, close to Wynyard
• Modern office fit-out
• Flexibility to work from home as needed
• Established administrative and paralegal support
• Strong emphasis on technical training, mentorship and career development