CONTENTIOUS CONSTRUCTION SENIOR ASSOCIATE | 5+ PQE | MANCHESTER

QC Legal; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

QC Legal in Manchester is seeking an experienced solicitor to take a leading role on complex contentious construction and engineering disputes for national and international clients.

You will advise developers, contractors and consultants through adjudications, High Court and TCC litigation, arbitration and ADR, while mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to a growing practice. The role offers material client exposure and a clear progression path.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE specialising in contentious construction law.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role on complex contentious construction and engineering disputes for a diverse portfolio of national and international clients.
• Advise developers, contractors, consultants, lenders and public sector organisations throughout the lifecycle of disputes, from project advisory work through to formal proceedings.
• Handle adjudications, High Court and Technology & Construction Court (TCC) litigation, arbitration and a wide range of ADR processes, including mediation.
• Act on disputes arising from major infrastructure, regeneration, PFI/PPP, energy and engineering projects across both the public and private sectors.
• Build and strengthen long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand mandates and develop new business.
• Mentor and support junior lawyers, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Play an active role in business development initiatives, client presentations and market engagement as the Manchester practice grows.

Job description

About the Firm

Complex construction disputes demand more than technical expertise – they require commercial judgement, strategic thinking and lawyers who understand the industries in which their clients operate. Our client has built a formidable reputation in this space, acting on some of the UK's most significant and technically challenging disputes across the built environment, infrastructure and energy sectors. From landmark regeneration projects and major transport schemes to large-scale commercial developments, the team is trusted to deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice on matters where the stakes are high and the outcomes matter.

The Opportunity

• Take a leading role on complex contentious construction and engineering disputes for a diverse portfolio of national and international clients.


• Advise developers, contractors, consultants, lenders and public sector organisations throughout the lifecycle of disputes, from project advisory work through to formal proceedings.


• Handle adjudications, High Court and Technology & Construction Court (TCC) litigation, arbitration and a wide range of alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation.


• Act on disputes arising from major infrastructure, regeneration, PFI/PPP, energy and engineering projects across both the public and private sectors.


• Provide strategic advice on construction documentation, consultant appointments, warranties and development contracts across sectors including living, office, retail, life sciences, transport, industrial and energy.


• Build and strengthen long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing mandates and develop new business.


• Mentor and support junior lawyers, helping to develop technical capability while contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.


• Play an active role in business development initiatives, client presentations and market engagement as the Manchester practice continues to grow.

The Ideal Candidate

• A qualified solicitor with 5+ years' PQE specialising in contentious construction law.


• Strong experience advising on adjudications, TCC litigation, arbitration and other forms of construction dispute resolution.


• Proven expertise handling complex contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and major infrastructure-related matters.


• Confident drafting pleadings, witness statements, expert evidence and other key litigation documents.


• Comfortable managing client relationships and leading matters with an appropriate level of autonomy.


• A natural mentor who enjoys supporting the development of junior colleagues and contributing to the wider success of the team.


• Commercially aware, organised and capable of balancing multiple complex matters while maintaining exceptional client service.

What's on Offer

• A salary and benefits package designed to attract experienced construction disputes lawyers.


• The opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant construction, infrastructure and engineering disputes.


• Genuine responsibility, client exposure and the chance to take a visible leadership role within a nationally recognised practice.


• Ongoing investment in technical training, leadership development and long-term career progression.


• A supportive, ambitious environment where collaboration, innovation and professional growth are actively encouraged.


• The opportunity to work alongside recognised leaders in construction and engineering disputes on work that is both technically challenging and commercially significant.