Contentious Construction Associate

Acuity Law; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Job summary

Acuity Law is seeking a Construction Associate to join its growing contentious construction team in the UK. You will advise on a broad range of construction matters, including disputes, contract drafting, and negotiations, contributing to high-profile projects and strengthening client relationships.

You should have 4+ years PQE in construction law, with a track record in adjudication, arbitration, mediation and TCC litigation.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years PQE in construction law at a UK law firm.
• Strong experience handling contentious construction matters, including disputes.
• Solid grounding in contract drafting, negotiation, and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on contentious construction matters and high-profile projects.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction contracts (JCT, NEC, FIDIC) and related docs.
• Handle adjudication, arbitration, mediation and TCC litigation with senior lawyers.
• Collaborate with real estate, banking, corporate and dispute resolution teams.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to business development.

Job description

About Acuity Law

We are a leading UK law firm renowned for our commitment to excellence, client service, and delivering innovative legal solutions. Our firm is recognised for its collaborative and dynamic working environment, offering high-quality legal advice to a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations and financial institutions to SMEs, start-ups and high-net-worth individuals. We pride ourselves on fostering professional growth, encouraging innovation, and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture.

About The Role

We are seeking a Construction Associate to join our dynamic and growing contentious construction team. As a Construction Associate, you will play a key role in advising clients on a wide range of construction matters.

Your expertise will be utilised to navigate complex construction projects and disputes, with a strong focus on dispute resolution, contract drafting, and negotiations.

You will play a pivotal role in the Construction team, helping to drive market share and brand presence, managing a varied caseload from reviewing, preparing, and amending suites of construction documents to working on complex and high-stakes construction litigation cases.

About The Team

Our Construction team is renowned for its breadth of expertise across the full life cycle of construction projects, from feasibility to completion. The team has successfully undertaken a wide range of projects across sectors, from healthcare to higher education, and from manufacturing to residential property.

The team is dedicated to tackling the challenges of today’s construction industry, specialising in transforming complex ideas into successful projects. We handle every aspect of a project from acquisition and planning construction and leasing, while adeptly navigating both contentious and non-contentious issues.

With a strong reputation for high-profile work, we engage in significant infrastructure developments and city centre regeneration schemes, delivering innovative solutions for urban living, commerce, and creativity.

On the contentious side, we expertly manage disputes across the UK, representing a diverse clientele that includes social housing providers, developers, contractors, and construction professionals.

Key Responsibilities

As a Construction Associate, you will play a key role in advising clients on a wide range of contentious construction matters. You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers, contributing to high-profile projects and disputes while developing your expertise in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Legal Expertise and Client Advisory

• Assisting in handling a variety of contentious construction matters, including contract breaches, professional negligence claims and delays.
  
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction contracts, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, and bespoke agreements, as well as professional appointments, collateral warranties, and security documents.
  
• Handling contentious construction matters, including adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC).
  
• Providing strategic advice on risk management, procurement strategies, and regulatory compliance.
  
• Assisting with construction-related disputes, including delay claims, defects, payment issues, and professional negligence claims.
  
• Collaborating with colleagues across real estate, banking, corporate, and dispute resolution teams to deliver integrated legal solutions.
  
• Conduct in-depth legal research to support case strategies and ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services.
  
• Manage case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

Business Development and Client Relationship Management

• Supporting business development initiatives, attending networking events, and contributing to client pitches and marketing efforts.
  
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and providing commercially focused legal advice.
  
• Assisting with knowledge-sharing, training, and thought leadership initiatives within the team.

Team Collaboration and Development

• Working closely with partners and senior lawyers, taking an active role in high-value matters and key client relationships.
  
• Mentoring and supervising junior team members and trainees, contributing to their professional development.
  
• Keeping up to date with legal developments and industry trends, ensuring clients receive proactive and informed advice.

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially aware Construction Associate with at least 4 years PQE and experience gained within an established UK construction team. You will have a solid understanding of contentious construction law and a keen interest in developing your career within a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

Personal Specification

• 4+ years PQE with strong experience in construction law gained at a reputable UK law firm.
  
• Experience handling contentious construction matters, with the ability to work on contract drafting, negotiation, and disputes.
  
• Strong knowledge of JCT, NEC, FIDIC contracts, and other industry-standard agreements.
  
• Exposure to adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and TCC litigation is desirable.
  
• A commercial and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to provide pragmatic advice to clients.
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
  
• A proactive and team-oriented mindset, with a willingness to support business development and mentoring initiatives.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.

Why Join Us?

Joining our construction team means working with a high-calibre client base on complex and exciting projects within a supportive and dynamic environment. We offer a fantastic platform for career progression, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact within the firm.

• High-Quality Work - Advise on complex and high-value construction projects and disputes for leading developers, contractors, and investors.
  
• Balanced Practice Mix - Gain exposure to both contentious and non-contentious construction work, allowing you to develop a well-rounded practice.
  
• Career Progression - Benefit from structured career development, with clear progression pathways and opportunities to take on greater responsibility.
  
• Supportive and Collaborative Culture - Work in a team that values collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing, with mentoring and guidance from experienced partners.
  
• Business Development Opportunities - Play an active role in growing the firm’s construction offering, attending networking events, and contributing to thought leadership.
  
• Competitive Remuneration and Benefits - Receive a market-leading salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and professional development support.