Associate/Senior Associate - Contentious Construction

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking a qualified solicitor to join our national Construction team in Manchester or Birmingham, focusing on contentious work and high-value disputes.

You will work alongside experienced partners and clients on complex construction matters, with exposure to international projects and a supportive, inclusive environment. The role offers hybrid working in our UK offices and opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Contentious construction

Contract drafting

Relationship-building

Commercial awareness

Organisational skills

Communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Job description

Why join us?

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.

What will help you succeed in this role?

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.

Essential

• 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.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

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. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

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.