Associate/Senior Associate - Contentious Construction

DWF LLP; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF LLP in Manchester/Birmingham region seeks a solicitor to join our expanding national Construction team, focusing on contentious work and high-value disputes. You will engage with clients, partners and industry leaders across domestic and international projects, enjoying a flexible hybrid working arrangement.

You will manage complex disputes, provide strategic advice, and collaborate with the Real Estate and Infrastructure practices to deliver high-quality, commercially focused legal services.

Qualifications

• Experience in contentious construction and dispute resolution.
• Experience drafting and negotiating construction contracts.
• Strong communication and organisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious construction matters.
• Advise on dispute avoidance strategies and early-stage conflict resolution.
• Support adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation matters.
• Prepare and negotiate construction documentation.
• Analyse and interpret construction contracts and project documentation.
• Deliver practical, clear and commercially focused legal advice.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across sectors.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Real Estate and Infrastructure practices.
• Contribute to business development and thought leadership activities.

Skills

Contentious construction

Dispute resolution

Contract drafting

Client relationship-building

Analytical skills

Job description

Come and join our expanding national Construction team focused on contentious work. A great opportunity to join the group at the build phase as they work on some attractive and exciting projects domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will gain valuable exposure to Global Heads across the business and the chance to work alongside our experienced industry leaders. The contentious workload involves working alongside experienced partners and engaging directly with clients on high-value, complex disputes arising from major construction, infrastructure and regeneration projects. The clients include a mix of regional, national and international well known panel firms. The team provides the full range of non-contentious and contentious construction services to financing institutions, central government and local authorities. We are looking for someone to be based in our Birmingham or Manchester office and we can offer a flexible, hybrid working approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious construction matters.
• Advise clients on dispute avoidance strategies and early-stage conflict resolution.
• Support adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation matters.
• Providing pre-contractual procurement advice and preparing and negotiating construction documentation.
• Analyse and interpret construction contracts and project documentation.
• Deliver practical, clear and commercially focused legal advice.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across a range of industry sectors.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Real Estate and Infrastructure practices.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and thought leadership activities.

Requirements

• Experience in contentious construction and dispute resolution matters.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts and appointments.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients and colleagues.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of client needs.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication, drafting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality client service.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed.

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.