Contentious Construction Associate

William James Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive remuneration

Collaborative culture

Job summary

William James Recruitment today seeks a London-based Associate to join its contentious construction team. You will handle a broad mix of high-quality disputes and also gain exposure to advisory and dispute avoidance work, working closely with partners and clients from early on.

The ideal candidate is England & Wales qualified with 1–3 years’ PQE, possesses strong drafting and analytical skills, and is commercially aware and collaborative.

Qualifications

• England & Wales qualified solicitor with 1–3 years’ PQE.
• Experience in contentious construction work, particularly adjudication and/or litigation.
• Familiarity with standard form contracts such as JCT, NEC and FIDIC.
• Strong technical, analytical and drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a wide range of construction and engineering matters, including complex disputes across adjudication, arbitration, litigation and mediation.
• Handle delay and disruption claims, final accounts, defects and quality issues.
• Advise on building safety and fire-related disputes, including cladding matters.
• Assist with professional negligence and insurance-related claims.
• Contribute to procurement and contract structuring advice and drafting of contracts.

Education

England & Wales qualified solicitor with 1–3 years’ PQE

Job description

William James Recruitment is instructed by a leading international law firm ranked highly across its practice areas in legal directories. The firm has a strong reputation across Construction, Real estate and Corporate. With an established presence in the UK and internationally, the firm is recognised for advising on complex, high-value projects and Construction disputes for a diverse client base across both public and private sectors.

The firm’s Construction, Engineering & Projects team is a cornerstone of its practice and is widely regarded for its technical expertise and commercial approach. The team delivers a full-service offering, advising clients from project inception and procurement through to dispute avoidance and resolution.

Clients include major developers, contractors, consultants, investors and government bodies, with particular strength in real estate development, infrastructure and regeneration. The team is also at the forefront of advising on building safety and fire-related disputes, an area of continued growth.

The firm fosters a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture, with a strong emphasis on career development, knowledge sharing and sustainable growth. ESG principles are embedded at the core of the firm’s strategy and operations.

The Role

Due to continued growth, the firm is seeking an Associate to join its London-based contentious construction team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a broad mix of high-quality disputes while also gaining exposure to advisory and dispute avoidance work.

You will work closely with experienced partners and colleagues across the firm’s national platform, benefiting from strong mentorship while taking on meaningful responsibility and client contact from an early stage. You will advise on a wide range of construction and engineering matters, including:

• Complex construction disputes across adjudication, arbitration, litigation and mediation
• Delay and disruption claims, final accounts, defects and quality issues
• Building safety and fire-related disputes, including cladding matters
• Professional negligence and insurance-related claims
• Strategic dispute avoidance and risk management
• Procurement and contract structuring advice
• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts and ancillary documentation

The Candidate

• England & Wales qualified solicitor with 1–3 years’ PQE
• Experience in contentious construction work, particularly adjudication and/or litigation
• Exposure to arbitration and other ADR processes is advantageous
• Familiarity with standard form contracts such as JCT, NEC and FIDIC
• Strong technical, analytical and drafting skills
• Confident communicator with a commercial and pragmatic approach
• Able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

Experience in fire safety or building defects disputes would be beneficial but is not essential.

Culture & Platform

• International firm with a strong reputation in construction and infrastructure
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• High-quality work with leading clients across multiple sectors
• Clear focus on development, progression and mentoring
• Inclusive culture with a commitment to ESG and responsible business

Benefits & How to Apply

• Highly competitive remuneration + benefits
• Flexible working arrangements (50% office attendance)
• Sociable law firm and opportunity to be part of a growing, respected construction practice