Contentious Construction Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Contentious Construction Practice in Leeds is seeking a Senior Associate/Principal Associate Solicitor to lead and grow the team in a nationally recognised disputes practice.

You will handle high-value construction disputes, including adjudications, arbitrations and Court proceedings, and play a key role in developing client relationships and new business opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in handling complex and high-value construction disputes.
• Experience in adjudication, arbitration and High Court litigation.
• Skilled in managing matters from inception to resolution, including strategy and client management.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and advocacy abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support growth and development of the Contentious Construction team.
• Build and strengthen client relationships across construction, infrastructure and public sectors.
• Originate and support new business opportunities in the construction disputes market.
• Contribute to team strategy, growth initiatives and market engagement.
• Advise on adjudications, arbitrations, mediations and Court litigation.
• Handle domestic and international construction disputes including delays and defects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior lawyers and maintain a high-performing team environment.
• Manage matter delivery, billing and KPIs.
• Develop the team profile through networking and thought leadership.

Skills

Contentious construction

Adjudication arbitration

Job description

Contentious Construction Senior Associate Solicitor / Principal Associate Solicitor - Leeds City Centre - Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits

A highly regarded Legal 500 UK law firm with a nationally recognised disputes practice is seeking a Senior Associate Solicitor / Principal Associate Solicitor to join its growing Contentious Construction team in Leeds. Acting for a diverse client base including developers, contractors, funders, consultants, public sector bodies and major corporates, the team advises on high-value and technically complex construction disputes across a wide range of sectors. This role offers the opportunity to work on nationally significant matters, handling adjudications, litigation, arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution, whilst playing a key role in the continued growth and success of the practice.

The Role

• Support the continued growth and development of a highly regarded Contentious Construction team, strengthening its position within the firm's wider disputes practice
• Build and enhance client relationships across the construction, infrastructure, development and public sectors
• Take an active role in originating and supporting new business opportunities within the construction disputes market
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the team, supporting growth initiatives and market engagement activities
• Advise clients on a broad range of contentious construction matters including adjudications, arbitrations, mediations and Technology & Construction Court litigation
• Act on domestic and international construction disputes involving delay, defects, payment, professional negligence and contractual interpretation issues
• Work closely with colleagues across construction, real estate, projects and commercial teams to deliver integrated client solutions
• Support, mentor and collaborate with junior lawyers, contributing to a high-performing and supportive team environment
• Maintain responsibility for financial performance, including matter management, billing and delivery against key KPIs
• Play a key role in developing the profile of the team through networking, thought leadership and client-facing initiatives

The Candidate

• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in handling complex and high-value construction disputes
• Experienced in adjudication, arbitration and High Court litigation, with a strong understanding of dispute resolution proceduresl
• Skilled in managing matters from inception through to resolution, including strategy, evidence gathering and client management
• Delivers commercially focused advice with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Brings experience in developing and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributes to business development initiatives and identifies opportunities for growth
• An effective communicator with excellent drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills
• A qualified Solicitor operating at Senior Associate or Principal Associate level within Contentious Construction

The Benefits

• A highly competitive salary with a strong overall benefits package
• Hybrid working from the firm's Leeds office
• Exposure to complex, high-value and nationally significant construction disputes
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a growing and supportive team
• A collaborative working environment with a strong focus on professional development and work-life balance