Construction Arbitration Lawyer

Buchanan Law; Greater London; On-site; GBP 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier US disputes boutique in London is seeking a Construction Arbitration Associate with 3+ PQE. This role offers the opportunity to manage complex disputes, gain significant client exposure, and progress within the firm. Ideal candidates will have strong construction arbitration backgrounds, preferably from a Magic Circle or leading international firm. The position includes market-leading compensation around £160k, with a focus on ambitious candidates looking for rapid development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ PQE in construction arbitration.
• Experience from a Magic Circle or leading international firm.
• Technically excellent with expertise in high-value disputes.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex construction arbitration cases.
• Engage directly with clients on high-value disputes.
• Collaborate with international partners on cross-border matters.

Skills

Construction arbitration experience

Ability to lead workstreams

Handling complex expert-heavy disputes

Client exposure

Education

Qualified in England & Wales

Strong academic background

Job description

We are instructed by a fast-growing, top-tier US disputes boutique to hire a Construction Arbitration Associate (3+ PQE) into its London office. This is a rare opportunity to join the market-leading construction and infrastructure disputes practice widely recognised for its strength in complex, high-value international arbitration.

The Practice

The London construction arbitration team sits within a globally integrated disputes platform and acts on:

• Major infrastructure, energy and megaproject disputes
• EPC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts
• Delay, disruption and quantum-heavy claims
• ICC, LCIA, SIAC and ad hoc arbitrations
• Parallel litigation and enforcement proceedings

The practice regularly handles multi-billion dollar disputes across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Associates are given genuine responsibility and direct client exposure from an early stage.

Team Structure (London – Construction Arbitration)

• Partner – 5
• Counsel – 4
• Senior Associate – 7
• Associate – 11
• Paralegal – 4

This is an organic growth hire due to increased workflow rather than attrition. The team remains lean relative to the scale of matters, meaning strong performers progress quickly.

The Opportunity

• Clear preference for long-term “stayers”
• Strong internal promotion culture – partnership track encouraged from within
• Ability to lead discrete workstreams and, where appropriate, run matters
• Partners currently handling work typically delegated at other firms – significant scope for junior development
• International platform – opportunity to collaborate with partners in other jurisdictions and work on cross-border mandates
• Scope for travel and potential relocation as the firm continues its rapid global expansion

This is an ideal move for an ambitious associate seeking greater responsibility, faster progression and a true arbitration-focused environment.

Candidate Profile

• 3+ PQE
• Ideally England & Wales qualified
• Strong construction arbitration experience (a mix of litigation and arbitration is welcome)
• Background ideally from a Magic Circle or leading international firm (e.g. Freshfields-trained profiles particularly attractive), followed by experience at an elite US or top-tier international disputes practice
• Strong academic background
• Technically excellent with experience handling complex expert-heavy disputes

Salary & Hours

• Circa £160k NQ equivalent (market-leading progression thereafter)