Contentious Construction Partner - Newcastle - Progression Opportunity - Leading North East Firm

QED Legal LLP; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A highly regarded commercial law firm in the North East of England is seeking a Construction Partner to lead its contentious construction team. This role offers autonomy to develop the practice without the pressure of unrealistic targets. Candidates should possess proven experience in construction disputes and be prepared to supervise juniors while building a team. The firm promotes work-life balance with flexible working models and impressive benefits including generous holiday options and community involvement.

Benefits

27 days’ holiday plus long-service days

Wellbeing days

Paid community hours

Flexible working models

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contentious construction/engineering disputes.
• Comfortable leading or building a team of professionals.
• Ability to develop and maintain client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build the contentious construction team.
• Handle existing contentious construction matters.
• Shape future strategy for the construction practice.

Skills

Contentious construction experience

Team leadership

Client skills

Ability to shape practice strategy

Job description

Construction Partner – Contentious Construction

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Exciting opportunity for a Construction Partner to join a highly regarded commercial law firm in the North East.

The Role

You will lead and build the contentious side of the Construction & Engineering team.

You will have the autonomy to grow the specialist contentious team as you see fit.

The role offers freedom: you’re not expected to bring a full book from day one, but you’ll have a network to grow the practice over a bedding in period.

You’ll handle existing steady incoming contentious construction matters (developers, contractors, housebuilders, some public-sector work) and will be encouraged to shape the future strategy.

The firm has a relaxed but ambitious culture: not obsessed with endless hours, you won’t find “stuck at your desk at 10pm” as the norm.

Pathway

Starting as salaried Partner with bonus/profit share scheme.

Location: Newcastle base with strong North East foothold; the firm is committed to regional growth, not a redundant outpost.

Ideal Candidate

Proven experience in contentious construction / engineering disputes (adjudications, contractor/developer claims, large value matters).

Comfortable leading or building a team, able to supervise juniors and set direction.

Ambitious but pragmatic: you’ll have autonomy and support to grow the practice rather than being forced into unrealistic targets immediately.

Excellent client skills, some network in the construction/disputes market, but you’ll be given time to establish your books.

Why This Role Is Attractive

Genuine opportunity to build a contentious construction team from an excellent foundation — you’ll create the strategy rather than join something already rigid.

Clear career trajectory

with the construction team identified as a key growth area for the firm.

Strong benefits and culture

27 days’ holiday plus additional long-service days, with option to buy/sell up to 5 days.

Up to 2 wellbeing days per year.

Paid community/volunteering hours (~14 hours/year) and strong ESG/community commitment.

Flexible and hybrid working models; supportive of work-life balance and quality of life.

Parking or travel-pass support, bonus and profit-share scheme for partners.

Location: based in Newcastle with regional influence and growth ambition.

Next Steps

Do you want to take the lead in shaping a contentious construction practice, with freedom, support and genuine potential to make a mark? Drop Beth Livings at QED Legal a message for a confidential chat about this role.