Construction Disputes Senior Associate

HIA Legal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international law firm in London is seeking a Senior Associate to join its construction and infrastructure disputes practice. The role focuses on contentious construction matters across High Court litigation, international arbitration, and related dispute resolution.

The successful candidate will lead matters day-to-day, have direct client contact, and work within a global disputes platform. Opportunities to supervise juniors and drive business development are available.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years’ PQE in contentious construction at a top firm.
• London experience with High Court exposure preferred.
• Strong academic record with a 2:1 or above and pass of solicitors' exams first time.
• Excellent drafting, analysis and communication skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication with ability to build trusted relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and a business development mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day matters and case strategy.
• Direct client contact and involvement in case development.
• Collaborate within a global disputes platform.
• Supervise junior lawyers.
• Contribute to business development.

Skills

Dispute resolution

Construction law

Litigation

Client relations

Commercial awareness

Business development

Strategic case management

Education

Solicitors' qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

A major international law firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its highly regarded construction and infrastructure disputes practice in London.

The Practice

The team advises a diverse client base, including developers, contractors, public sector bodies, multinational corporations and construction professionals, on significant construction and infrastructure disputes. Its work encompasses:

• High Court litigation, including in the Technology and Construction Court
• International Arbitration
• Adjudication and Mediation
• Delay, Defects and Payment claims
• Dispute Avoidance advice on live projects

Matters span the infrastructure, energy, transport and real estate sectors, offering a balance of domestic and international work.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Responsibility for running matters on a day-to-day basis.
• Direct client contact and meaningful involvement in case strategy.
• The support of a global disputes platform within a collaborative team.
• Opportunities to develop their profile, supervise junior lawyers and contribute to business development.

The Candidate

Candidates should ideally have:

• 4–7 years’ PQE in contentious construction work, gained at a leading UK or international law firm.
• Relevant London experience, with High Court experience strongly preferred.
• Strong academic background with an expectation of at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) and solicitors' examinations to have been passed first time.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen, with a business-like approach to legal practice and business development.
• The ability to adapt well to changing priorities and deadlines.

Applications are also welcome from lawyers currently practising outside London with relevant experience of the English courts.