SENIOR ASSOCIATE – CONSTRUCTION

Leigh Davis; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Mentoring

Development opportunities

Job summary

SA Law is seeking an experienced construction lawyer with 4–6 years PQE to join its team in St Albans. You will handle a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious construction matters, including litigation, adjudication, arbitration, and mediation, while advising developers, owners, contractors and insurers.

You will take ownership of your cases, contribute to strategic direction, mentor juniors, and work within a culture that values excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experienced lawyer with 4–6 years post-qualification experience in construction work.
• Proven ability to advise on non-contentious and contentious construction matters.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and advisory capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a wide range of construction matters including litigation, adjudication, arbitration, mediation, expert determination and insurance claims.
• Collaborate with developers, owners, contractors, consultants and insurers across public/private sectors.
• Take ownership of your caseload, contribute to strategy, and build client relationships.

Skills

Construction litigation

Contract drafting

Contract interpretation

Project & case management

Client advisory

Communication (oral & written)

Education

4–6 years PQE in construction law

Tools

JCT

NEC

FIDIC

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Advise clients on a wide range of non-contentious and contentious construction matters, including litigation, adjudication, arbitration, mediation, expert determination, and insurance-related claims.
• Work with developers, property owners, contractors, consultants, and insurers across both public and private sectors.
• Take ownership of your caseload, contribute to strategic direction, and build relationships with longstanding and new clients.
• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to team development.
• Collaborate across the firm to deliver integrated, high-quality legal solutions.
• Work autonomously, supported by a culture that values excellence, openness, and ambition.

About You

You are an experienced lawyer with 4 – 6 years post-qualification experience and a strong track record in construction work, seeking:

• A step up from your current firm, with more autonomy and responsibility.
• A balanced, high-quality work environment, with scope for growth.
• A role where your expertise is valued, and you can make a visible impact.

You’ll Bring With You

• Experience in litigation in the Technology & Construction Court, adjudication, arbitrations, and ADR mechanisms.
• Proven knowledge of standard industry contracts: JCT, NEC, FIDIC.
• Demonstrable experience of interpreting, drafting and advising on both standard and bespoke contracts.
• Technical, analytical and drafting skills.
• Previous work with expert technical evidence (engineering, quantity surveying, etc.).
• Project management and case management skills, ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and budgets.
• Commercial awareness, giving advice that shows an appreciation of cost/benefit, risk, and client sensitivities, as well as a pragmatic approach to strategy.
• Excellent communication skills (written & oral), evident in your interactions with clients, colleagues, experts, counsel, etc.

Why join us?

• Clear expectations and open communication – so you know where you stand.
• Meaningful work with a diverse range of clients who are shaping the future.
• A culture of inclusion, belonging, and collaboration.
• Opportunities for growth, mentoring, and development without limits.
• Flexible working and support for a work-life balance that lasts.

Additional information

At SA Law, we’re a firm built around people. We believe everyone does their best work when they feel supported, included, and able to be themselves. Creating a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed isn’t just the right thing to do, it leads to better conversations, stronger ideas, and better outcomes for our clients.

We value difference and treat each other with respect. Our culture is open and supportive, giving people the opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. When our people thrive, so does the work we do.

We are committed to making our recruitment process fair, inclusive, and accessible. If you’d like to request an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or would like to discuss flexibility, please contact our HR team in confidence at [e-mail].