Construction - Associate (PQE2-4)

Blake Oliver; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing focus

Collaborative culture

Exposure to high-profile matters

Job summary

Blake Oliver in Melbourne is seeking an Associate for its Construction Advisory & Disputes team, working alongside Partners on major construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure projects. You will be part of a market-leading practice, advising on issues arising during live projects and in formal dispute resolution proceedings, including arbitration, mediation and court proceedings.

The role emphasizes collaboration, development opportunities and exposure to high-profile domestic and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' PAE in construction law and dispute resolution.
• Experience advising on construction, engineering and project-related disputes.
• Understanding of construction contracts, claims and dispute resolution processes.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with clients and stakeholders.
• A commercially minded, collaborative approach with ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise on construction and engineering disputes across major projects.
• Assist in live project advice and dispute resolution proceedings.
• Support contractual claims, project advisory, and distressed projects.
• Engage in domestic and international arbitration and mediation as required.
• Participate in dispute avoidance and strategic case management discussions.
• Collaborate with clients and specialists to understand commercial and legal challenges.

Job description

Exceptional Career Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate to join the Construction Advisory & Disputes team of a highly regarded international law firm, based in Melbourne. With a strong pipeline of work, you will work alongside highly regarded Partners on major construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure projects, gaining exposure to complex, high-profile domestic and international matters.

The Opportunity

You will join a market-leading construction disputes practice, working on complex and commercially significant matters throughout the lifecycle of major projects. The role will involve advising clients on issues arising during live projects, as well as formal dispute resolution proceedings. Your work will include:

• Construction and engineering disputes, including major infrastructure, energy and resources projects.
• Contractual claims, project advisory and distressed projects.
• Security of Payment legislation and adjudications.
• Domestic and international arbitration.
• Construction litigation and court proceedings.
• Mediation, negotiation and other alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Dispute avoidance, strategic case management and settlement negotiations.

You will work closely with clients and other specialist practitioners, developing a strong understanding of the commercial and legal challenges associated with major projects.

About You

Ideally, you will have:

• A minimum of 2 years' PAE in construction law and dispute resolution, gained in private practice or in-house.
• Experience advising on construction, engineering and project-related disputes.
• An understanding of construction contracts, claims and dispute resolution processes.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with clients and stakeholders.
• A commercially minded, collaborative approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

You must be admitted to practise in Australia and hold valid Australian working rights.

The Firm & Benefits

You will be joining a highly regarded international law firm with a growing Australian presence and an established global network, offering exposure to major domestic and international projects across the energy, infrastructure and resources sectors.

The firm offers:

• Genuine career development and progression opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing.
• A collaborative, inclusive and supportive culture.
• Exposure to high-profile Australian and international matters.
• Opportunities to participate in social, charitable and diversity initiatives.
• The chance to work alongside highly regarded Partners and experienced practitioners.