Contentious Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 Law Firm

CapeClarke Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CapeClarke Ltd in London is seeking a talented Contentious Construction & Engineering Senior Associate (4+ PQE) to join its market-leading London team, advising on high-value, contentious matters across sectors.

You will handle project advisory work, adjudication, High Court litigation, arbitration and mediation, supervise juniors, and contribute to business development and client relationships within a top-tier practice.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ PQE in contentious construction and engineering.
• Experience across project advisory work and formal dispute resolution.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and related rights across the supply chain.
• Experience with delay, extensions of time, liquidated damages and additional costs.
• Experience in adjudication and High Court litigation; arbitration/mediation advantageous.
• Experience managing large-scale document review and disclosure exercises.
• Ability to prepare witnesses and expert evidence; excellent diary management.

Responsibilities

• Advise on live construction and engineering projects, managing risk and disputes.
• Lead formal dispute resolution including adjudication, litigation, arbitration and mediation.
• Supervise trainees and paralegals; contribute to business development and pitches.
• Develop and maintain key client relationships and coordinate across teams.

Job description

London | 4+ PQE | Leading City Firm | £140k+

We are working with a highly regarded City law firm seeking a talented Contentious Construction & Engineering Senior Associate (4+ PQE) to join its market-leading London team.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of the City’s preeminent specialist Construction & Engineering practices, advising on high-quality contentious matters across a diverse range of sectors.

The Role

Due to continued growth and an increasing volume of instructions, the team is looking to recruit a specialist contentious lawyer to advise on:

• Project advisory work on ‘live’ construction and engineering projects, assisting clients in managing risk and mitigating disputes
• Formal dispute resolution including adjudication, High Court litigation, arbitration, and mediation

You will play a central role in complex, high-value matters while developing strong client relationships and contributing to the continued expansion of the practice.

The Team

The Construction & Engineering team sits within the firm’s Real Estate Group and comprises both contentious and non-contentious specialists. It is a high-performing, cohesive and busy team with an excellent reputation for:

• Providing early responsibility
• Offering meaningful client exposure
• Supporting career progression within a collaborative and ambitious environment

You will work closely with non-contentious construction lawyers, transactional real estate

colleagues, and projects teams on a broad range of domestic and international mandates.

The Work

The practice advises clients across the full supply chain and a variety of sectors, including:

• Living sector (with particular focus on building safety)
• Transport & infrastructure
• Energy & waste
• PFI projects

The work spans early-stage advisory support through to formal dispute resolution proceedings.

You will also:

• Supervise and mentor trainees and paralegals
• Assist with business development initiatives and pitches
• Take an active role in managing and developing key client relationships

Candidate Requirements

To be considered, you will have:

• 4+ years’ PQE in contentious construction and engineering
• Experience of both project advisory work and formal dispute resolution
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and the contractual, tortious, and statutory rights arising across the supply chain
• Experience handling issues such as delay, extensions of time, liquidated damages, additional costs, and defects
• Experience of adjudication and High Court litigation procedure
• (Arbitration and mediation experience advantageous but not essential)
• Experience managing large-scale document review and disclosure exercises, including familiarity with document management, and bundling platforms
• Exposure to preparing witness and expert evidence
• Excellent organisational and diary management capabilities

The successful candidate will be commercially aware, inquisitive and motivated to understand clients’ businesses in order to deliver high-quality, strategic advice.

This is a superb opportunity to join a top-tier team offering genuine responsibility, high-quality work and excellent long-term career prospects in the London market.