Associate - Contentious Construction - Bristol - 3+ Years PQE

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

A national law firm in Bristol is seeking an experienced Associate to join their Contentious Construction team. The role involves handling high-value disputes, advising on contract management, and collaborating across departments. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years PQE in contentious construction, strong litigation experience, and excellent communication skills. This position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and hybrid working options. Join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful construction-related legal work.

Qualifications

• Solicitor with 3+ years PQE in contentious construction.
• Strong experience in adjudication and court litigation processes.
• Ability to manage complex disputes and advise on strategy.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied caseload of contentious construction matters.
• Advise on contract management and dispute avoidance strategies.
• Engage with clients directly and provide commercial advice.

Skills

Contentious construction expertise

Court litigation experience

Excellent communication skills

Drafting skills

Experience with JCT and NEC contracts

Strategic advisory skills

Client relationship building

Interest in construction law

Job description

Associate - Contentious Construction - Bristol - 3+ Years PQE

Location: Bristol (with hybrid flexibility)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full time
Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

A leading national law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Construction Associate (3+ PQE) to join its highly regarded Construction team in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex, high value disputes across a wide range of construction and energy projects, within a supportive and well resourced national practice.

The Role

You will handle a varied and high quality caseload of contentious construction matters, including:

• Construction and energy related disputes involving litigation, adjudication, arbitration and mediation
• Claims relating to payment issues, delays, defects and professional negligence
• Advising on contract management and dispute avoidance strategies
• Working across a broad range of projects: commercial development, utilities, renewable energy, residential, O&M/service contracts and facilities management
• Supporting clients across both private and public sectors, including major multinationals, local authorities, developers, contractors and funders
• Collaborating with colleagues in Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial and Planning to deliver seamless, cross disciplinary advice
• Engaging with complex, high value matters, including cases that have been reported in recent years
• You will work directly with clients from the outset and will benefit from ongoing training, development opportunities and support from a specialist Senior Knowledge Lawyer.

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a solicitor with:

• 3+ years PQE in contentious construction
• Strong experience in adjudication and court litigation processes
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver clear, commercial advice
• A meticulous approach, strong drafting skills and high attention to detail
• Experience with JCT and NEC contracts, and familiarity with professional appointments
• Exposure to a range of dispute forums, including adjudication, arbitration and expert determination
• Ability to manage complex disputes and advise on strategy and contract interpretation
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong, lasting client relationships
• Genuine interest in the construction and infrastructure sector and its evolving legal landscape
• Motivation, ambition and a desire to contribute to the growth of the team

Benefits

The firm offers:

• High quality, complex and varied contentious construction work
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Clear career progression and structured professional development
• Opportunities to work with prestigious national and international clients
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Strong cross departmental support and resources

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact Olivia Reed:

Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*