Senior Associate / Special Counsel – Construction (Back-End)

Day One Recruitment; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Day One Recruitment is recruiting for a leading national law firm in Queensland seeking a Senior Associate or Special Counsel with proven expertise in back-end construction and engineering disputes. The role offers autonomy, collaboration and a supportive culture, with exposure to high-value matters across mining, energy, transport and social infrastructure projects.

You will join a respected Construction, Projects & Infrastructure practice, contributing to market-leading disputes, while

Qualifications

• Typically 6+ years PAE in construction litigation or disputes (Senior Associate).
• Typically 9+ years PAE with substantial experience in major construction and infrastructure disputes (Special Counsel).
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and relevant legislative frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead back-end construction and engineering disputes.
• Draft high-quality pleadings, briefs and opinions with clarity and precision.
• Advocate for clients across complex litigation and arbitration matters.
• Nurture trusted relationships with clients and provide commercial, pragmatic advice.

Skills

Construction disputes

Contract law

Litigation drafting

Advocacy

Client relationships

Job description

A leading national law firm with an outstanding reputation in construction, projects and infrastructure is continuing to grow its Queensland practice.

Due to sustained demand and a strong pipeline of major project and disputes work, the firm is seeking a talented Senior Associate or Special Counsel with proven expertise in back-end construction and engineering disputes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-profile, market-leading matters while enjoying the support of a collaborative, flexible and genuinely people-focused culture.

You will join a highly regarded Construction, Projects & Infrastructure practice led by respected partners recognised for their technical excellence, commercial approach and collaborative leadership style.

The team advises on a range of complex and strategically significant projects across:

• Mining and energy infrastructure
• Renewable energy developments
• Utilities and essential services
• Transport networks
• Ports and airports
• Social infrastructure projects

The matters are sophisticated, high-value and often industry-defining, providing exposure to major infrastructure disputes and complex litigation across Australia.

The firm is committed to professional development and will actively support the successful candidate to undertake the Master of Construction Law at the University of Melbourne, including funding assistance.

This role offers the opportunity to operate with a high degree of autonomy and influence.

About You

Senior Associate

• Typically 6+ years' PAE in construction litigation or disputes

Special Counsel

• Typically 9+ years' PAE with substantial experience in major construction and infrastructure disputes

In addition, you will possess:

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and relevant legislative frameworks
• Excellent drafting, advocacy and communication skills
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to problem solving
• The ability to build trusted client relationships
• A collaborative mindset and desire to contribute to a high-performing team

Why Join This Firm?

This firm combines a market-leading construction practice with a culture that genuinely supports the success and wellbeing of its people.

Benefits include:

• Clear pathways for progression and long-term career development
• Flexible working arrangements
• Gender-neutral parental leave policies
• Public holiday swap options
• A positive and inclusive team environment
• Regular social, networking and business development events
• A genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Active internal networking and support groups

This is a workplace where senior lawyers are trusted, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.