Construction Disputes Senior Associate / Partner

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible working arrangements

Senior-level autonomy

Growing, respected construction team

Job summary

William James Recruitment is working with a specialist boutique construction law firm in London to recruit a Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer. You will handle high-level disputes and non-contentious matters for major developers and contractors.

The role offers senior‑level autonomy, a collaborative culture and flexible working, with emphasis on quality over volume and shaping the practice over the next 6–12 months.

Qualifications

• Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer
• Strong experience across construction disputes and/or non-contentious project work
• Deep familiarity with JCT and NEC standard form contracts
• Technically excellent with a calm, pragmatic and commercial approach
• Collaborative, culturally aligned and motivated by quality rather than volume

Responsibilities

• Advise on a full spectrum of construction and engineering matters
• Handle complex construction disputes including adjudication, arbitration and litigation
• Manage delay and disruption claims, defects disputes and non-payment matters
• Counsel on professional negligence claims involving consultants and project teams
• Provide strategic dispute avoidance, procurement and contract drafting advice

Skills

Construction law

JCT contracts

NEC contracts

Dispute resolution

Strategic advice

Job description

The Role

William James Recruitment is exclusively instructed by a specialist boutique construction law firm recruiting a Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer to join its London-based practice during an exciting next phase of growth.

The firm advises developers and contractors with £100m+ turnover, acting on a wide range of transactional and contentious construction matters across domestic projects. Work spans all major sectors, with a strong focus on JCT and NEC contracts and complex, business-critical disputes.

The practice is deliberately independent of the traditional City model. Rather than pursuing scale, rankings or leverage, it focuses on high-quality advice, long-term client relationships, and a balanced, sustainable way of working.

This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded construction practice where senior lawyers are trusted to take ownership of matters, shape the future of the team, and deliver bespoke, commercially focused advice.

The Work

You will advise on a full spectrum of construction and engineering matters, including:

• Complex construction disputes, including adjudication, arbitration and litigation
• Delay and disruption claims, defects disputes and non-payment matters
• Professional negligence claims involving consultants and project teams
• Strategic dispute avoidance, procurement and contract drafting advice

Disputes range from high-stakes, brand-sensitive matters to fast-moving adjudications, often involving significant commercial pressure, technical evidence and tight timeframes.

The Candidate

• Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer
• Strong experience across construction disputes and/or non-contentious project work
• Deep familiarity with JCT and NEC standard form contracts
• Technically excellent with a calm, pragmatic and commercial approach
• Collaborative, culturally aligned and motivated by quality rather than volume

Culture & Platform

• Boutique, senior-led model with minimal hierarchy
• Collaborative, ego-free environment
• Team-based billing expectations rather than individual targets
• High levels of autonomy, trust and flexibility
• A culture prioritising excellence, integrity and balance over billable-hour pressure

Why This Opportunity

• Join a high-quality specialist construction practice with a growing market reputation
• Work on complex, interesting construction disputes and projects
• Genuine opportunity to shape the practice over the next 6-12 months
• High-calibre clients, including major developers and contractors
• A sustainable alternative to traditional City construction teams

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration
• Flexible working arrangements
• Senior-level autonomy and influence
• Opportunity to be part of a growing, respected construction practice