Associate (3+ PQE)

Ashfords LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Ongoing training and development

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK seeks a professional passionate about construction law. The role involves providing clients with strategic advice on contracts and disputes, requiring excellent communication and technical skills. You will build strong relationships with clients and stay updated on the latest legal developments in the sector. In return, a comprehensive benefits package and support for your career progression are offered, fostering an inclusive workplace for all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Experience with JCT and NEC forms of contracts.
• Proficiency in handling construction disputes and claims.
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in the construction sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and pragmatic advice to clients.
• Assist in complex disputes and advise on strategy.
• Support business development opportunities and client relationships.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Technical and organisational skills

Ability to build relationships

Job description

Who you are

With a firm grounding in contentious practice within the construction environment, you will be considered an excellent communicator with proven technical and organisational skills and a cooperative team player. You will be accustomed being responsive and providing accessible, commercial and pragmatic advice to clients and working under pressure to meet deadlines.

With an eye for detail, you are meticulous and thorough in your work and are already accustomed to assisting with larger and more complex disputes in your current role, as well as advising clients directly on strategy and contract interpretation. Ideally you will have gained experience in most of the JCT and NEC forms of contract, as well as commonly used professional appointments from a contentious perspective. You will have experience in a variety of construction based disputes or claims and, in addition to litigation, you may have been involved in adjudications, arbitrations and expert determinations.

Our relationship with our clients is paramount. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to build strong and lasting relationships with clients and show a genuine commitment to their business needs. Being self‑motivated and ambitious, you will be keen to learn more about the construction and infrastructure sector and possess the drive to help us continue to grow and develop our business. In this dynamic market, clients will be looking to you to be up to date regarding the latest policy and legal developments affecting the sector and, as such, you will need to demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the sector and its wider implications for our clients. In return, we will support your career progression and professional development and help you to grow your professional networks and profile and to capitalise on business development opportunities.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee‑led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at [e-mail] .

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager - [e-mail] .

Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.