Construction Disputes Lawyer

BCL Legal; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Birmingham is seeking a PFI/PPP Construction Disputes Associate/Senior Associate with over 5 years of experience. This role involves managing complex disputes and providing advisory services within a top-tier construction litigation team. Enjoy a supportive culture and flexible working arrangements in a firm known for its commitment to career development and high-quality work.

Benefits

Competitive salary and discretionary bonus

25+ days holiday with option to purchase additional leave

Private medical insurance

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE with experience in construction or commercial disputes.
• Experience in handling complex litigation and adjudication.
• Proactive mindset with a desire to grow a national practice.

Responsibilities

• Advising on high-value multi-party PFI and project-related disputes.
• Leading or co-leading litigation matters with support from senior partners.
• Engaging in business development to support team growth.

Skills

Construction or commercial disputes experience

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Client relationship management

Team collaboration

Job description

PFI/PPP Construction Disputes Associate / Senior Associate | 5+ PQE | National Firm | Birmingham

An award-winning UK law firm is seeking an experienced PFI/PPP Construction Disputes Associate or Senior Associate (5+ PQE) to join its nationally recognised construction team. With major recent successes in the Court of Appeal and a rapidly expanding disputes practice, this is a fantastic opportunity to take a lead role in some of the most high‑profile and complex infrastructure and PFI/PPP disputes in the UK.

The Role

This opportunity sits within a market‑leading construction litigation team, with a particular focus on PFI/PPP advisory and disputes work. The team is involved in some of the largest, most complex disputes in the sector, acting for clients across health, education, highways, energy and waste.

• Advising on high-value, multi-party PFI and project-related disputes, including adjudications, expert determinations, and court proceedings.
• Acting for a wide range of public and private sector clients including NHS Trusts, local authorities, government departments, Project Cos, and FM contractors.
• Involvement in nationally significant matters such as:
  • Multi-million-pound adjudications regarding PFI expiry and payment mechanisms.
  • Grenfell‑related building and fire safety disputes.
  • Advisory work on PFI expiry and negotiation of settlement arrangements in high-value disputes.
  • Disputes involving NEC, JCT and bespoke project agreements.
• Leading or co‑leading matters with the support of Legal 500 and Chambers‑ranked partners.
• Engaging in business development to support ambitious team growth.

About You

• 5+ years' PQE with experience in construction or commercial disputes, and a strong interest or background in PFI/PPP-related work.
• Experience handling complex litigation or adjudication, ideally in the projects or infrastructure context.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to manage caseloads independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• A proactive mindset and a desire to help grow a national practice.
• A strong team ethic and collaborative approach to work.

The Firm & Offering

Offices: Birmingham (with flexibility on location and hybrid working - no minimum days in office).

Team Culture: Supportive, inclusive, and down‑to‑earth team led by leading PFI disputes specialists recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers.

Work Quality: High‑profile, complex matters involving landmark public infrastructure projects across the UK.

Career Development: Clear progression path, mentoring from senior leaders, and structured opportunities to develop sector expertise.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• 25+ days holiday (plus option to purchase additional leave).
• Private medical insurance and health assessments.
• Generous pension scheme and life assurance.
• Cycle to work scheme and wellbeing initiatives.
• Flexible working hours and arrangements.

Why Apply?

This is a rare chance to join a high‑performing and growing construction disputes team at the cutting edge of PFI/PPP law. You'll enjoy real autonomy, exposure to major national disputes, and the support of a truly collegiate, forward‑thinking firm that invests in its people and values difference.

Apply Now

To apply for this PFI/PPP Construction Disputes Associate / Senior Associate role, please submit your CV or get in touch with Angharad Warren at BCL Legal for a confidential discussion.

This firm is an equal opportunities employer and actively encourages applications from all backgrounds.