Contentious Construction Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Contentious Construction Associate in Manchester. The role offers exposure to high‑value disputes, including infrastructure and regeneration projects, with early responsibility in a supportive team.

You will work on disputes across adjudication, litigation and arbitration, advising a broad range of stakeholders from developers to public sector bodies. A strong drafting and client-facing mindset is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters.
• Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and/or arbitration.
• Strong drafting skills and ability to produce clear, accurate documents reflecting client instructions.
• Strong organisation and document management skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Confident communication style and professional approach with internal and external stakeholders.
• Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice.

Responsibilities

• Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes.
• Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages.
• Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for claimants and defendants).
• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes.
• Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts.
• Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence.

Skills

Drafting

Communication

Organisation

Education

Solicitor qualification in England and Wales

Job description

Contentious Construction Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 1+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate into its Manchester team, following continued growth in the volume and value of key mandates.

This is a strong opportunity for a disputes-focused construction lawyer who wants early responsibility, high-quality work, and the chance to develop long-term within a supportive, high-performing team.

You’ll work across formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes


• Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages


• Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)


• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes


• Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts


• Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)


• Getting involved in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediation (including multi-party mediations)


• Managing your own matters with supervision, and supporting partners and senior lawyers on more complex work


• Supporting client relationship development and contributing to pitches and business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales


• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters


• Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and or arbitration


• Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, accurate documents that reflect client instructions


• Strong organisation and document management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines


• Confident communication style and a professional approach with internal and external stakeholders


• Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice

Desirable

• Experience of TCC litigation


• Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence


• Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits


• High-calibre work across a broad range of construction disputes


• Early responsibility within a supportive and stretching environment


• Strong development support, including training, mentoring, coaching and regular check-ins


• A genuinely inclusive culture with active networks and a focus on belonging

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.