Construction Disputes Associate Director

Osborne Clarke; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent international law firm is looking for an Associate Director to enhance its Construction & Engineering Disputes and Risk team in Bristol. This position offers the chance to manage contentious matters while supporting client relations and career development in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates should display strong technical knowledge and be proactive in problem-solving. Competitive benefits and inclusive culture provided.

Benefits

Career development program

Inclusive work environment

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Exceptional technical expertise in construction issues.
• Capable of managing own caseload with some supervision.
• Comfortable supervising and delegating to junior members.

Responsibilities

• Deliver practical, solutions-focused legal advice.
• Manage and collaborate on contentious construction matters.
• Support client's business understanding in legal contexts.

Skills

Contentious construction matters

Technical skills

Project management

Client relationship building

Job description

Role profile

"Osborne Clarke has a wide range of team members with a variety of experiences and knowledge. We always receive excellent, first-class service." - Chambers & Partners 2024

Due to continued strategic growth and high client demand, we are looking for an Associate Director to join our highly regarded Construction & Engineering Disputes and Risk team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic practice that has enjoyed significant growth over recent years.

Based in either our London or Bristol office, you will have the chance to work with and learn from every member of the cross-office team, with exposure to the full spectrum of contentious construction and engineering matters handled by the service line.

We encourage each member of the team to build client relationships from the outset with a structured career path, goals, and objectives at every level. You will be joining a successful firm with a collegiate and supportive culture, making it a rewarding place to work.

The practice

Our team is based across our offices in Bristol and London, working closely together on matters. The group has a first-rate domestic client base and continues to develop an international reputation. We act for investors, developers, and contractors with a keen focus and strategy based on our core industry sectors that link all of our service delivery for our clients. These sectors include Energy & Utilities (with a focus on renewables), The Built Environment, and Mobility & Infrastructure.

We have traditionally acted for blue-chip companies, government entities, utilities, rail operators, property developers, contractors, professionals, and private individuals. For example, we are on the Engie, NG Bailey, and Siemens panels for construction work, with other key clients including NGED, M&G Real Estate, Balfour Beatty, Civitas Living, BDW, Octopus Renewables, Vistry, Innogy, and UK Power Networks.

Our expertise also includes handling disputes arising from major projects (including PFI) both in the UK and internationally, and managing project risk through the construction and operation phases of various asset types.

Find more about our Construction & Engineering Disputes and Risk practice using this link: http://www.osborneclarke.com/services/infrastructure-services/construction-disputes/.

The team

Led by Rob Horne, Partner and International Head of the Mobility and Infrastructure Sector, the team comprises 30 fee earners, including 4 Partners (Helen Waddell, Rupa Lakha, Robert Adjetey, & Daniel Cashmore), 5 Associate Directors, 5 Senior Associates, 12 Associates, 2 Trainee Solicitors, a Paralegal, and a Solicitor Apprentice.

The team is close-knit and collegiate. Being truly integrated, the office location of any individual does not restrict involvement in work. There are no strict reporting lines; everyone is encouraged and has opportunities to collaborate across matters.

What we are looking for

Technical skills and experience - Delivering advice to our clients involves providing practical, solutions-focused legal advice that combines exceptional technical expertise with a thorough understanding of the client's business and industry. Candidates should have a solid grounding in contentious construction matters across relevant areas, with excellent technical skills and an understanding of construction issues.

We value proactive individuals with a drive to seize opportunities and continuously learn. Candidates should be capable of managing their own caseloads with some supervision, and able to identify when escalation is necessary.

Supervision - Our Associate Directors should be comfortable supervising and delegating to junior team members during active projects. We are open to candidates with varying levels of experience, considering the nature of the role.

Your career development

Our award-winning career development programme offers clear expectations, early responsibility, client exposure, technical training, and recognition based on contribution and potential rather than PQE or tenure.

Our recruitment process

We welcome direct applications. For more information or to apply, contact Angharad Jenkins at [e-mail] in confidence. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We do not use automated decision-making in recruitment.

We are committed to an inclusive environment. If you require adjustments during the application or onboarding process, please let us know in confidence.

About Us

Osborne Clarke is an international legal practice with over 330 Partners and 1,260 lawyers across 26 locations. Our sector-based approach helps clients address current and future challenges, fostering close collaboration on innovative deals and solutions. Our approachable culture and diversity initiatives support our success.

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Our interest groups and diversity networks are integral to our inclusive culture. We also prioritize health and wellbeing through various initiatives and benefits.

*Services in India are provided by a relationship firm.