Associate (4+ PQE) Contentious Construction

Brodies LLP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Brodies LLP, a leading UK law firm, seeks an Associate (4+ PQE) in Disputes / Contentious Construction to join the Leeds team. Work alongside market-leading partners on high-profile construction disputes across the UK, with exposure to a diverse client base from public and private sectors.

You will handle complex issues, develop commercial understanding, and contribute to business development, with regular collaboration across offices and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proactive and collaborative mindset.
• Excellent drafting and analytical abilities.
• Strong client and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and focus on outcomes.
• Experience in construction disputes advantageous.
• Interest in development of contentious construction work.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyse construction contracts and related documents.
• Compile evidence from client papers and witnesses for disputes.
• Provide strategic advice on merits and resolution paths.
• Draft pleadings, submissions and statements.
• Appear in court, mediation, adjudication, and arbitration as needed.
• Communicate progress and keep clients updated.
• Support marketing efforts with articles and seminars.
• Maintain financial management of cases.
• Mentor and train junior team members.

Skills

Self-motivated and driven

Strong organisation skills

Ability to work under pressure and to

Able to prioritise

Applied knowledge

Commercial and profit focus

Conduct and communication skills

Job description

Brodies LLP is a prominent UK law firm headquartered in Scotland, that provides expert advice to UK and international clients.

We have the capability and expertise to deliver mandates with global reach, uniting specialist perspectives from across our firm to offer bespoke legal solutions and advice, resulting in impactful outcomes for our clients.

With offices in London, Leeds, and throughout Scotland, we are dedicated to driving innovation in the legal sector, leveraging new technologies and forward-thinking strategies to deliver exceptional value and efficiency for our clients.

Our contract with our people underlines our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, prioritising the wellbeing and development of our colleagues to ensure they thrive both personally and professionally.

We are also deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work. Through our pro bono work, charitable activities, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, we strive to contribute meaningfully to society.

JOB TITLE

Associate (4+ PQE) – Disputes / Contentious Construction

REPORTING TO

Contentious Construction Partners

Based in Leeds.

While we support hybrid working across the firm, this role benefits from regular collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders. As such, you'll be expected to attend the office on a regular basis.

JOB PURPOSE

We're looking for an ambitious Associate to join our highly regarded Construction & Engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside market-leading partners on some of the most complex, high-profile and high-value construction disputes across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our team advises a diverse client base spanning both the public and private sectors, including developers, contractors, consultants, insurers and funders. You'll gain exposure to a broad range of challenging and intellectually stimulating work, from contentious construction claims and insurance disputes to mediation, adjudication, litigation and arbitration.

No two matters are the same. You'll be trusted to tackle complex legal issues while developing a deep understanding of the commercial drivers behind our clients' businesses, helping you deliver practical, strategic advice that makes a real difference.

Alongside working with existing clients, you'll play an active role in building new relationships and supporting the continued growth of one of the firm's most successful practice areas. Whether you're developing your technical expertise, strengthening your commercial skills or contributing to business development, you'll be encouraged to make your mark from day one.

If you're looking for high-quality work, genuine responsibility, and a clear pathway for career progression within a collaborative and supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

CORE TASKS

• Reviewing, analysing and providing opinions on all forms of construction contracts and supporting documentation.
• Compilation of evidence from client papers and witness statements to analyse factual position in a dispute.
• Legal analysis of the client’s position in light of the evidence prepared.
• Advising the client of the merits of their position and providing strategic advice on the most appropriate and cost-effective way to bring about a resolution. Reporting regularly to clients on progress and keeping strategy under review.
• Drafting pleadings and submissions.
• Appearing in Court, mediation, adjudication, expert determination, and arbitration, acting as advocate on behalf of the client.
• Negotiating settlements.
• Supporting and developing the team’s marketing initiatives including drafting articles and presenting at seminars.
• Maintaining good financial management of cases.
• Assisting in the training of the team’s trainee.

Be aware of Brodies’ information security policies, and protect information assets from unauthorised access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Works effectively with other team members, and able to work as part of a team on larger cases.
• Good working knowledge of adjudication.
• Involved in alternative forms of dispute resolution.
• Works to understand the practice area’s key clients, the industry they operate in and the challenges they face.
• Can work efficiently and to tight deadlines.
• Has strong drafting skills and works in a logical and manner.
• Provides client advice that is well presented and tailored to their needs.
• Maintains regular contact with the clients and shows understanding of the priorities for the client.
• Communicates in a confident, clear and relaxed way.
• Displays an interest and enthusiasm for contentious construction work.
• Demonstrates the Brodies values at all times - Courage, Character, Care, Collegiate, Collaborative.

SKILLS

• Self-motivated and driven
• Strong organisation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Able to prioritise
• Applied knowledge
• Commercial and profit focus
• Conduct and communication skills