Construction Law Principle Associate

Vincere; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (where the role allows)

Private healthcare

Pension

Life insurance

Income protection

Job summary

Vincere is recruiting a Principal Associate for its Liverpool construction disputes team. You will manage a disputes-focused caseload, lead adjudications, and advise clients on dispute resolution with autonomy and collaboration across a broader Real Estate platform.

The role requires 5+ years' PQE in construction law, strong contentious experience, and the ability to handle high-value matters with sound judgement and stakeholder communications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE in construction law.
• Strong contentious construction experience and the ability to lead disputes.
• Experience of adjudication is essential.

Responsibilities

• Managing a disputes-focused construction caseload, including running adjudications.
• Advising clients on construction dispute resolution, including adjudication and mediation.
• Drafting key documents including pleadings and witness statements.
• Supporting colleagues with caseloads across contentious and non-contentious work.

Skills

Disputes experience

Adjudication experience

Client handling

Team collaboration

Organisation & time management

IT skills

Education

Solicitor qualification

Tools

JCT

NEC4

Job description

Construction Law - Principal Associate (Disputes)

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 5+ years' PQE

Our client is looking to hire a Principal Associate into its nationally recognised Construction team, based in Liverpool, with a primary focus on contentious construction work.

This is a great move if you want a disputes-led construction role with variety, high-value matters, and the support of a broader Real Estate platform. You'll work across a wide range of sectors and will be trusted to run matters with autonomy, while collaborating closely with colleagues on complex, multi-party disputes.

The team advises on construction risk management from procurement through to completion, and acts for a broad client base across both private and public sector. From a disputes perspective, you'll be involved in adjudication, arbitration, TCC proceedings, mediation and expert determination. While the role is disputes-first, non-contentious experience (JCT, NEC4 and related documents) is valued.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a disputes-focused construction caseload, including running adjudications
• Advising clients on construction dispute resolution, including adjudication and mediation
• Drafting key documents including correspondence, pleadings, witness statements, instructions to counsel and attendance notes
• Supporting colleagues with their caseloads across contentious matters, and non-contentious work where applicable
• Advising on construction risk management and strategy
• Contributing to client relationship development and business development activity
• Working to agreed financial and chargeable targets and KPIs
• Ensuring deadlines and quality measures are met
• Working in line with internal policies and procedures

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' PQE in construction law
• Strong contentious construction experience, with the ability to lead and run a disputes caseload
• Experience of adjudication is essential
• Non-contentious experience is valued but not essential (including JCT, NEC4 and related documents)
• Strong technical ability and sound judgement
• Excellent organisation and time management, comfortable managing competing deadlines
• Confident communicator with strong client handling skills
• Collaborative approach and strong team working skills
• Strong IT skills and attention to detail

What's On Offer

• Hybrid working (where the role allows)
• 28 days' holiday
• Private healthcare (option to add family at employee cost)
• Pension matching up to 6%
• Life insurance (4x salary)
• Income protection (after 26 weeks' incapacity)
• Technology benefit scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee-funded dental scheme
• Travel loan
• 24/7 employee care helpline
• Offers and discounts at major retailers
• Ongoing learning and development, including mentoring and leadership development
• A people-centric culture with a genuine focus on inclusion and wellbeing

Working Arrangements

• Full time
• Permanent
• Liverpool based
• Hybrid working (where the role allows)