Director- Contentious Construction

Thomson Legal; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Scottish law firm is seeking a Director/Senior Associate to join its contentious construction team. This position is based in Edinburgh and offers hybrid working options. You will manage high-value disputes, represent clients in arbitration and adjudication, and provide strategic advice on construction projects. Applicants must be qualified solicitors in Scotland with strong skills in construction litigation and contract negotiation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working approach

Qualifications

• Proven track record in construction litigation, arbitration, and/or adjudication.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts.
• Commercial awareness and effective client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of contentious construction matters.
• Represent clients in adjudication and arbitration.
• Advise on payment disputes and contract termination.
• Draft and review legal documents and pleadings.
• Provide strategic advice on risk management.

Skills

Construction litigation

Arbitration

Adjudication

Drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Advocacy skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor in Scotland

Tools

SBCC contracts

NEC contracts

JCT contracts

FIDIC contracts

Job description

Top Tier Scottish law firm are looking to hire an additional Director/ Senior Associate level lawyer to join their high ranking contentious construction team- this role can be based in Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow and hybrid-working is also available.

Role Profile:

You will have the opportunity to take a leading role in a team that advises clients on strategy, managing risk and resolving disputes on, complex high value and often high-profile construction, infrastructure, and power projects.

The role will involve acting for a large number of the most significant Employer/Developer, Contractor and Consultant clients involved in these projects – across Court, Arbitration, Adjudication and ADR.

You will work with clients across the construction and infrastructure sectors, handling high-value disputes and complex claims. The role will focus on contentious matters, including litigation, arbitration, adjudication, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This position offers the opportunity to advise on some of Scotland’s most significant construction projects, working closely with developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and insurers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of contentious construction matters, including court proceedings in the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.

• Represent clients in adjudication, arbitration, and mediation under Scottish and UK frameworks.

• Advise on claims relating to payment disputes, delays, defects, contract termination, and professional negligence.

• Draft, review, and negotiate pleadings, witness statements, and expert reports.

• Liaise with technical experts, counsel, and other stakeholders.

• Provide strategic advice on risk management and dispute avoidance.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Scottish construction law, relevant case law, and statutory frameworks (including the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 as amended in Scotland).

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor in Scotland with a proven track record in constructionlitigation, arbitration, and/or adjudication.

• Strong understanding of construction contracts, including SBCC, NEC, JCT, and FIDIC forms.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage client relationships effectively.

On Offer:

Competitive salary and benefits - The firm also offer a progressive flexible working approach.

To Apply:

For a confidential discussion, to request the job description or to apply, please contact:

David Thomson- Director

Tel: [phone] 450 7164

Email: [e-mail]