Associate-Contentious Construction,Cardiff/Bristol/Swansea

Chadwick Nott; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking an experienced Associate for its contentious construction team in Cardiff, Bristol, or Swansea. This full-time role involves managing complex disputes and providing strategic legal solutions. Candidates should have 4+ years PQE and strong experience in contentious construction matters. The firm offers flexible working and a range of benefits including private medical insurance and structured career progression.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Private medical insurance

Generous pension and life assurance

Structured career development

Inclusive and collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Advising on contract breaches, professional negligence claims, delays, and defects.
• Exposure to adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and TCC litigation.
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for business development.

Responsibilities

• Managing adjudications, arbitrations, mediations, and litigation in the TCC.
• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts.
• Providing strategic advice on procurement and risk management.

Skills

Strong experience in contentious construction matters

Contract negotiation

Excellent communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

4+ years PQE at a reputable UK law firm

Tools

Knowledge of JCT

Knowledge of NEC

Knowledge of FIDIC

Job description

Associate - Contentious Construction - Cardiff/Bristol/Swansea/Hybrid - 4+ years PQE

Location: Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea or Hybrid (Flexible Working Available)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £65,000 to £80,000 + Benefits

Chadwick Nott is working with a leading UK law firm to recruit a talented Construction Associate for its growing contentious construction team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on complex disputes and high-profile projects across sectors including social housing, healthcare, education, and residential development.

The Role

This role offers a varied and intellectually stimulating caseload focused on contentious construction matters. Responsibilities include:

• Advising on contract breaches, professional negligence claims, delays, and defects
• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, and bespoke agreements
• Managing adjudications, arbitrations, mediations, and litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC)
• Providing strategic advice on procurement, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborating across departments to deliver integrated legal solutions
• Supporting business development, client pitches, and thought leadership initiatives
• Mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to team growth

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a construction law specialist with:

• 4+ years PQE gained at a reputable UK law firm
• Strong experience in contentious construction matters and contract negotiation
• Knowledge of JCT, NEC, FIDIC, and other industry-standard agreements
• Exposure to adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and TCC litigation
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to client advice
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for business development

Working Arrangements

This role supports flexible and hybrid working, with options to be based in Cardiff, Bristol, or Swansea. Office attendance is encouraged for team collaboration and client engagement.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Structured career development and progression pathways
• Private medical insurance and wellbeing support
• Generous pension and life assurance
• Inclusive and collaborative culture
• High-quality work with leading developers, contractors, and investors
• Opportunities for business development and sector engagement

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

[e-mail]

0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

Chadwick Nott is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across the legal profession. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Where a level of experience is indicated, this is intended as a guideline only.

*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.*