Contentious Construction Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive package

Career progression

Professional development

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Senior Associate / Principal Associate Solicitor to join its Contentious Construction team in Manchester City Centre. You will handle high-value construction disputes for developers, contractors, funders and public bodies, including adjudications, arbitration and High Court litigation.

The role offers hybrid working from Manchester with a clear path to leadership and growth within a respected Legal 500 UK firm, plus a competitive package and opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in handling complex construction disputes.
• Experience in adjudication, arbitration and High Court litigation.
• Skilled in managing matters from inception to resolution.
• Delivers commercially focused advice with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in developing and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Contributes to business development initiatives.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Qualified Solicitor at Senior Associate or Principal Associate level in Contentious Construction.

Responsibilities

• Support the growth of the Contentious Construction team within the firm.
• Build and enhance client relationships across construction, infrastructure and public sectors.
• Originate and support new business opportunities in the construction disputes market.
• Contribute to strategic direction and market engagement initiatives.
• Advise clients on adjudications, arbitrations and High Court litigation.
• Handle domestic and international construction disputes.
• Collaborate with construction, real estate, projects and commercial teams.
• Mentor junior lawyers and manage KPIs.

Skills

Dispute resolution

Adjudication

Arbitration

Client management

Drafting & advocacy

Job description

Contentious Construction Senior Associate Solicitor / Principal Associate Solicitor – Manchester 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 Manchester. 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 procedures
• 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 Manchester 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

Contact: Rhys Spencer, Retained Consultant

Email: [e-mail]

More About William James Recruitment:

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.