Senior Associate Construction

Gorilla Jobs; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Gorilla Jobs is representing a Senior Associate – Construction Disputes (Future Partner Track) in Brisbane. The role offers a clear pathway to Special Counsel and beyond, with partner-led mentoring on marquee infrastructure disputes and formal learning alongside real autonomy as you step up.

You will handle large-scale construction disputes, from delay and variations to security of payment strategy, while mentoring junior lawyers and expanding your technical depth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ PAE in construction litigation / disputes (back-end emphasis).
• Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, commercial advice.
• Solid understanding of construction contract frameworks and dispute processes.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Collaborative approach and an interest in mentoring junior lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale construction and engineering disputes (nationally and in QLD).
• Provide advisory support to minimise project risk and prevent disputes.
• Develop client relationships and take ownership of matters.
• Lead workstreams, supervise juniors and contribute to court/ADR preparation.

Skills

Back-end construction disputes

Drafting

Prioritization under pressure

Mentoring juniors

Job description

Senior Associate – Construction Disputes (Future Partner Track)

Senior Associate – Construction Disputes role with structured development and progression to senior leadership.

3 Key Points:

• Clear pathway to Special Counsel and beyond
• Partner-led mentoring on marquee infrastructure disputes
• Formal learning + real autonomy as you step up

About the Firm:

Our client is a respected specialist firm with a long history advising Australian and international corporate clients. They’re known for building high-calibre lawyers by combining complex work, genuine support, and a culture that rewards initiative, integrity and continuous learning.

About the Position:

Our client is looking for a Senior Associate (5+ PAE) with strong back-end construction disputes experience to join our clients’ team in a leading Construction, Projects & Infrastructure practice.

This isn’t a “stay in your lane” role. You’ll be encouraged to expand your technical depth, grow your profile, and progressively take ownership of matters and client relationships, including:

• Large-scale construction and engineering disputes (nationally and in QLD)
• Delay, disruption, variations, defects and contractual claims
• Security of Payment strategy and dispute management
• Advisory support to minimise project risk and prevent disputes
• Acting for principals, builders, developers, subcontractors and insurers

You’ll be trusted with meaningful responsibility and supported to become a recognised senior practitioner in the construction space.

Key Requirements:

• 5+ years’ PAE in construction litigation / disputes (back-end emphasis)
• Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, commercial advice
• Solid understanding of construction contract frameworks and dispute processes
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure
• A collaborative approach and an interest in mentoring junior lawyers

On Offer:

If your goal is to progress to senior leadership, our client offers an environment built for it:

• Defined progression framework with transparent expectations at each level
• Hands-on partner access and active mentoring (not just annual check-ins)
• Exposure to high-profile infrastructure matters that accelerate capability fast
• Opportunities to lead key workstreams, supervise juniors and run court/ADR preparation
• Support to build your practice through client contact, BD involvement and profile-building
• Ongoing investment in learning through structured development, feedback and coaching
• A culture that values quality, autonomy and long-term career outcomes—ideal for lawyers aiming for Special Counsel/Partner trajectory