Construction Lawyer - Claims

Taylor Root; Nordrhein-Westfalen; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (2–3 days WFH)

30 days annual leave

Company pension

Long-term energy infrastructure focus

Job summary

A major German infrastructure organisation is expanding its Contract & Claim Management function. The role gives you ownership of complex contractual claims arising on live infrastructure projects and requires close collaboration with commercial and project teams to negotiate or resolve claims.

You could be a Senior Associate, Counsel, Construction Lawyer or Infrastructure Lawyer with 3–5 years of relevant experience. German language (C1) is essential; English is a plus.

Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in construction or infrastructure law.
• Experience assessing contractual entitlement on substantial claims.
• Exposure to variations, additional works, delay, disruption or project issues.
• Direct negotiations with contractors and project stakeholders.
• C1 business-fluent German; English would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assess the contractual validity of claims arising during major infrastructure projects.
• Handle claims ranging from approximately €80,000 to €100m.
• Negotiate directly with contractors, suppliers and project stakeholders.
• Work with Commercial Management on the financial implications of justified claims.
• Support strategically important infrastructure projects contributing to Germany’s energy transition.

Skills

German language (C1)

Negotiation

Contract & Claims management

Stakeholder engagement

English language (advantageous)

Job description

I’m currently supporting a major infrastructure organisation in Germany with the continued expansion of its Contract & Claim Management function.

We are particularly interested in speaking with experienced construction and infrastructure lawyers who have advised on significant claims arising during the execution of major projects and who would be interested in moving closer to the projects themselves.

This is not a traditional Legal Counsel position.

You would take ownership of complex contractual claims during live infrastructure projects, assessing whether contractual entitlement exists and working directly with commercial and project teams to negotiate, challenge or resolve claims.

The role

You will:

• Assess the contractual validity of claims arising during major infrastructure projects
• Handle claims ranging from approximately €80,000 to €100m
• Work across major project areas including cables, civil engineering and substations
• Negotiate directly with contractors, suppliers and project stakeholders
• Work closely with Commercial Management on the financial implications of justified claims
• Support strategically important infrastructure projects contributing to Germany’s energy transition

Who we’re looking for

You could currently be a Senior Associate, Counsel, Construction Lawyer, Construction Disputes Lawyer or Infrastructure Lawyer.

We’re particularly interested in lawyers who can demonstrate:

• At least 3–5 years' relevant experience
• Significant construction, engineering or infrastructure experience
• Experience assessing contractual entitlement on substantial claims
• Exposure to claims involving variations, additional works, delay, disruption or other project issues
• Direct involvement in negotiations, rather than purely providing legal advice behind the scenes
• Experience working with project, commercial, engineering or technical stakeholders
• C1/business-fluent German
• English would be advantageous

A background specifically within energy is not essential. Experience from other major infrastructure and construction sectors can transfer well.

The opportunity

This could be particularly interesting if you enjoy construction law but want to move from being an external adviser to having direct ownership of major claims and negotiations.

The organisation offers:

• Dortmund or Hamburg location
• 2–3 days working from home
• 30 days' annual leave, plus Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Company-funded pension
• Long-term involvement in major German energy infrastructure projects