Contentious Construction Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK Law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Construction Solicitor to join its Ipswich office at the Senior Associate or Legal Director level. This role offers high-quality work, progression opportunities, hybrid working, and a competitive salary. The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years PQE in contentious construction and experience in adjudication, arbitration, or litigation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Strong benefits package

Hybrid working

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of PQE in contentious construction.
• Experience in adjudication, arbitration, or litigation work.
• Confident in handling complex disputes.

Responsibilities

• Leading on major disputes including adjudication and litigation.
• Providing pragmatic advice on construction issues.
• Collaborating with colleagues across teams.

Skills

Contentious construction law

Adjudication

Arbitration

Litigation

Commercial awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Contentious Construction Solicitor | 6+ PQE | Ipswich

A leading UK Law firm is looking to appoint an experienced contentious construction lawyer, at the Senior Associate or Legal Director level, to join its established Ipswich office. The firm's Construction and Engineering team is recognised nationally for its expertise in handling complex, high-value disputes and advisory work for developers, contractors, funders, and public sector bodies.

This is a strategic senior hire offering high‑calibre work, clear progression, and the opportunity to play a key role in one of the region's strongest construction practices.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on major disputes: Acting on a broad range of contentious construction matters, including adjudication, arbitration, and litigation under JCT, NEC, and other standard form and bespoke contracts.
• Advising strategically and commercially: Providing pragmatic, solutions‑focused advice on issues such as delay, payment, defects, and professional negligence across the commercial, residential, and public sectors.
• Collaborating across teams: Working closely with colleagues in real estate, development, and commercial teams to deliver joined‑up advice on live projects and risk‑management strategies.
• Contributing to practice growth: Helping to develop client relationships, mentoring junior colleagues, and supporting business development within the Ipswich office and the wider construction group.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 6 years’ PQE in contentious construction
• Experienced in adjudication, arbitration, and/or litigation work
• Confident handling technically complex disputes and providing clear, commercial guidance
• Collaborative, proactive, and keen to develop within a growing, high‑performing team

What’s on Offer

• High‑quality, challenging construction disputes work across major projects
• Excellent scope for progression within a Tier 1‑ranked national team
• Hybrid working and a supportive, flexible culture
• Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and a strong benefits package

The Firm

A full‑service, forward‑thinking UK Top 50 practice with offices across the South East and South of England. The firm is known for its collegiate, people‑first culture and its commitment to developing the next generation of legal talent. Its Construction and Engineering team is consistently ranked among the best outside London for both contentious and non‑contentious work, praised for its technical depth, responsiveness, and commercial approach.

Apply now or contact Harrison for more information.