Associate

DLA Piper; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Top market compensation

Associate development program

Job summary

The Toronto office of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP is seeking a senior-level associate with approximately 7–10+ years’ experience to join our construction disputes practice. The successful candidate will work on complex, high-value construction mediation, litigation and arbitration matters for leading industry clients, supported by a busy, collegial and high-performing team.

Your role will include supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, contributing to dispute avoidance, and developing the practice

Qualifications

• Significant experience in construction mediation, litigation and arbitration.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario construction law and procedure.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and draft pleadings and legal submissions.
• Excellent advocacy, judgment and file-management skills.
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior lawyers.
• Commitment to developing a construction law practice and professional networks.

Responsibilities

• Work on complex, high-value construction mediation, litigation and arbitration matters.
• Manage substantial factual records and multiple workstreams with limited supervision.
• Prepare pleadings, submissions, witness statements and factums.
• Supervise and mentor more junior lawyers and support business development.
• Collaborate with partners on dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.

Skills

Construction disputes

Mediation & arbitration

Ontario construction law

Advocacy

Client communication

Mentoring juniors

Business development

Job description

The Toronto office of DLA Piper (Canada) LLP is seeking a talented senior-level associate with approximately 7–10+ years’ experience to join our construction disputes practice. The successful candidate will work on complex, high-value construction mediation, litigation and arbitration matters for leading industry clients, supported by a busy, collegial and high-performing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a self-starter with strong legal judgment, exceptional written advocacy skills and the ability to take meaningful responsibility for complex files.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience with construction mediation, litigation and arbitration, including the ability to manage substantial factual records and advance multiple workstreams with limited supervision;
• Strong knowledge of Ontario construction law and procedure, including the Construction Act, lien and trust claims, court processes and adjudication;
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and prepare high-quality pleadings, submissions, witness statements, factums and legal arguments;
• Strong advocacy, strategic judgment and file-management skills, with the ability to act as a frontline lawyer or second chair on major matters;
• Excellent client communication skills and experience working with sophisticated clients, ideally including market leaders in the construction, infrastructure or related sectors;
• A collaborative approach and the ability to supervise, mentor and provide day-to-day guidance to more junior lawyers; and
• A demonstrated commitment to developing a construction law practice, including involvement and leadership roles in relevant industry associations, committees or professional networks.

Your role will also include supporting construction clients on dispute avoidance, early resolution of claims and project administration matters. Experience advising on construction contract drafting and negotiation would also be an asset.

DLA Piper is a top global law firm. Our clients include well-established entities, entrepreneurs and growing companies. Experience gained at a national or international firm, or a highly regarded litigation or construction boutique, is preferred. The successful candidate will work closely with busy partners and associates, play a key role in moving significant matters forward, and help supervise and develop junior team members. A demonstrated interest in business development and building a long-term construction practice is welcomed. We are open to considering candidates at the senior associate or counsel level, depending on experience and fit.

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP is proud to be highly competitive when it comes to awards and benefits. The successful candidate will be remunerated at the top of market, with an array of benefits, bonus structure and an outstanding associate development program.

For more details, or to discuss the role, please contact our Practice Group Director – Disputes, Claire Walker ([e-mail]).

Only those selected for interview will be contacted.