Associate/Senior Associate-Contentious Construction, Bristol

Chadwick Nott; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Contentious Construction Associate/Senior Associate to join its Real Estate division in Bristol. This role offers a varied caseload on construction disputes. Candidates should have 4+ years PQE in contentious construction law with strong experience in adjudication and litigation. The firm provides a competitive salary and benefits including hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Minimum 25 days holiday

Discretionary bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Structured learning and development pathways

Qualifications

• 4+ years PQE in contentious construction law.
• Strong experience in adjudication, litigation, and ADR.
• Excellent drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Advising on adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.
• Drafting pleadings and correspondence in contentious matters.
• Providing strategic advice on contract interpretation.

Skills

Adjudication

Litigation

Drafting

Negotiation

Client-facing skills

Commercial mindset

Job description

Associate/Senior Associate - Contentious Construction - Bristol - 4+ years PQE

Location: Bristol Office (Hybrid & Flexible)

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £75,000 to £105,000 + Benefits

Overview

A leading UK law firm is seeking a talented Contentious Construction Associate or Senior Associate to join its Real Estate division in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-value disputes and advisory matters within a nationally recognised construction team.

The Role

This role offers a varied and intellectually engaging caseload focused on construction disputes and risk management. Responsibilities include:

• Advising on adjudication, arbitration, litigation, and dispute avoidance strategies
• Acting for developers, contractors, consultants, and insurers across commercial and public sectors
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, and correspondence in contentious matters
• Providing strategic advice on contract interpretation and project risk
• Collaborating with colleagues across Real Estate, Planning, and Corporate teams
• Supporting business development and contributing to thought leadership
• Mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to team growth

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a construction disputes specialist with:

• 4+ years PQE in contentious construction law, ideally from a national or regional firm
• Strong experience in adjudication, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution
• Excellent drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills
• Confidence in client-facing work and relationship building
• A proactive, commercial mindset and collaborative approach
• Enthusiasm for business development and sector engagement

Working Arrangements

This role supports hybrid working, with flexibility to work from home and attend the Bristol office regularly.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:

• Minimum 25 days holiday (plus option to buy up to 5 extra days)
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Generous pension and life assurance
• Private medical insurance and biennial health assessments
• Cycle to work scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
• Inclusive culture with employee-led networks and wellbeing initiatives
• Structured learning, development, and promotion pathways
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement

How to Apply

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, 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.