Contentious Construction Associate

Interlink Talent Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension – 5% matched

Life assurance 4x salary

Income protection 75%

Discretionary bonus eligibility

Private medical and dental cover

Holiday 25 days (27 with service)

Job summary

Interlink Talent Solutions is partnering with an international law firm to appoint a construction lawyer. The role covers contentious disputes, project advisory work, and a broad range of ADR activities, including mediation and without-prejudice negotiations.

The candidate should have 1+ years PQE in construction matters, strong drafting and stakeholder skills, and a commercially minded approach. Excellent client service and multi-matter management are essential.

Qualifications

• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters.
• Experience in dispute avoidance, resolution and project management.
• Ability to prepare pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence.
• Strong client and stakeholder management with clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Advise on contentious construction and engineering disputes including contractual claims.
• Manage own matters with supervision while supporting Partners on complex disputes.
• Advise clients on construction issues across appointments, warranties and development contracts.
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development; engage in ADR processes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Drafting

Document management

Commercial awareness

Job description

Job Description

I am working with an international law firm to appoint a construction lawyer to join their team to work on a variety of contentious construction matters both in formal disputes and project advisory stages.

Responsibilities:

• Advise on a broad range of contentious construction and engineering disputes, including contractual claims, professional negligence and major infrastructure projects.
• Manage your own matters with supervision, while supporting Partners and Managing Associates on complex, high-value disputes.
• Advise clients on construction issues across consultant appointments, warranties and development contracts, spanning sectors including living, energy, transport, retail and life sciences.
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development, while gaining hands‑on experience across all forms of ADR, including mediation and without‑prejudice negotiations.

Requirements:

• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters, with strong knowledge of dispute avoidance, dispute resolution and project management.
• Experience across construction disputes, including TCC litigation, adjudication, High Court litigation and/or arbitration, with the ability to prepare pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence engaging effectively with clients, colleagues and external advisers.
• Excellent drafting, procedural and document management skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Commercially minded and client‑focused, with the curiosity to understand clients’ businesses and drivers and deliver clear, practical and impactful advice.

Benefits:

• Financial security & reward: £60,000–£65,000+ salary depending on experience, plus 5% matched pension, 4x salary life assurance, 75% income protection and discretionary bonus eligibility.
• Recognition & rewards: Be recognized for your contribution through talent and excellence schemes, plus exclusive discounts and lifestyle benefits.
• Lifestyle & flexibility: Enjoy 25 days’ holiday, rising to 27 with service, with the option to buy or sell leave, plus sabbaticals, wellbeing support, Cycle2Work, travel benefits and paid volunteering days.
• Health & wellbeing: Access private medical and dental cover, health screening, 24/7 support, mental health services, virtual GP access and a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Our advertisements use salary and experience as a guide only. Interlink Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.