Senior Associate – Contentious Construction | London

Diavin International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Diavin International is seeking a Senior Associate for its London construction disputes practice. You will advise major international clients on complex disputes from high-value projects, with opportunities to lead matters and interact directly with clients in a collaborative, market-leading environment.

Based in London, you will be supported by a strong junior team and have clear pathways for career progression within a renowned international disputes group.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years' post-qualification experience in contentious construction.
• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales.
• Strong experience in construction disputes including adjudication, litigation and/or arbitration.
• Familiarity with NEC, JCT and FIDIC standard contracts.
• Experience reviewing, drafting or advising on construction contracts and amendments.

Responsibilities

• Advise major international clients on complex construction disputes arising from significant projects.
• Lead substantial matters with direct client contact.
• Take ownership of disputes and provide strategic legal guidance.
• Work closely with partners to develop and manage high-value matters.

Skills

7+ years PQE

Construction disputes

International arbitration

Technology and Construction Court

Education

Solicitor (England & Wales)

Tools

NEC

JCT

FIDIC

Job description

Base Salary from £150,000 + Bonus | Leading International Law Firm

Outstanding Work. Excellent Remuneration. A Genuinely Supportive Culture.

We are recruiting for an exciting new Senior Associate opportunity within the highly regarded construction disputes practice of a leading international law firm in London.

Offering a base salary from £150,000 plus bonus, this is a particularly compelling opportunity for an experienced construction disputes lawyer seeking to combine sophisticated, high-value work with excellent remuneration, meaningful career progression and a genuinely collaborative working environment.

The team has recently risen to Tier 2 in the Legal 500 and is enjoying significant momentum, securing increasingly substantial and prestigious mandates across the UK and internationally.

The Opportunity

Working closely with some of London's most respected construction disputes partners, you will advise major international clients on complex disputes arising from some of the most significant construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure projects.

The practice offers an exceptionally broad and interesting range of work, including:

• High-value construction and engineering disputes, including international arbitration, High Court/TCC litigation, adjudication, mediation and expert determination.
• Major renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, solar, battery energy storage (BESS) and energy-from-waste facilities.
• Complex infrastructure and transport disputes involving rail, airports, roads, bridges and major engineering developments.
• Disputes arising from power generation, energy transmission, oil and gas, and other major energy projects.
• Commercially sensitive contractual disputes involving delay, disruption, defects and other complex construction issues.
• Strategic advice and ongoing project support, including dispute avoidance and resolution throughout the project lifecycle.

The role offers considerable autonomy, direct client contact and the opportunity to lead substantial matters, while benefiting from the expertise and support of a highly regarded international disputes practice.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out?

Excellent Remuneration – Base Salary from £150,000 + Bonus

A particularly attractive financial package relative to the working hours expected, offering the potential for a meaningful increase in remuneration without necessarily increasing your current working commitments.

An Ambitious and Growing Practice

The team has recently improved its Legal 500 ranking and continues to secure increasingly prestigious, high-value mandates. This is an excellent time to join and play a meaningful role in its continued development.

Sophisticated, International Work

Exposure to major domestic and cross-border construction disputes, including complex international arbitration and litigation across the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.

A Genuinely Collaborative Culture

A supportive and collegiate working environment, with approachable partners, a strong emphasis on teamwork and a culture that values its people.

Strong Junior Support

A well-resourced team with junior-level support, enabling Senior Associates to concentrate on complex legal issues, strategic decision-making, client relationships and leading substantial matters.

Career Development and Flexibility

The opportunity to develop your own practice, assume meaningful responsibility and work directly with leading partners. The firm is also supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

The team is based in the firm's brand-new London offices in Moorgate.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in hearing from lawyers who offer:

• At least 7 years' post-qualification experience in contentious construction, gained at a City law firm or through a combination of City practice and in-house experience.
• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales.
• Strong experience in construction disputes, including adjudication, litigation (particularly before the Technology and Construction Court) and/or domestic or international arbitration.
• Familiarity with major standard-form construction contracts, particularly NEC, JCT and FIDIC.
• Experience reviewing, drafting, negotiating or advising on construction contracts and associated amendments.
• The confidence and technical expertise to manage complex disputes, advise clients directly and take ownership of substantial matters.
• Strong commercial judgment, ambition and a collaborative approach.

Experience involving nuclear energy projects, expert determination or membership of professional construction law organisations such as the SCL or TECSA would be advantageous, although not essential.

Please note that qualification in England & Wales is a requirement for this particular position.