Senior Associate – Construction Disputes

We are looking for a Senior Associate in Construction Disputes with at least 8 years’ PQE to join a collaborative team handling a broad range of contentious construction matters. The role is based in Exeter, with hybrid working. The ideal candidate will have experience advising developers, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies, and be confident handling disputes through adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation. You will work on matters involving a range of standard-form and bespoke contracts, with opportunities to contribute to domestic and international work. Alongside managing complex matters and supporting junior colleagues, you will build strong client relationships and play an active part in business development. A practical, flexible approach, excellent communication skills and a commitment to working collaboratively will be important in this role.

The Firm

The firm is an established UK and international law practice with a broad range of expertise. Its work spans real estate, construction, commercial matters, social housing, banking and finance, private wealth, planning, tax, pensions and environmental law. The team advises clients across both the private and public sectors, including developers, contractors, consultants and public bodies.

The firm works across the UK and internationally, collaborating across offices and practice areas to support clients on complex matters. It values equity, diversity and inclusion, and aims to grow its business responsibly and sustainably, with environmental, social and governance principles informing its approach. This offers the opportunity to work with colleagues across a varied practice and contribute to client work with a wide sector reach.

Responsibilities

• Advise on construction disputes, including adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

• Handle claims under the pre-action protocol for construction and engineering disputes.

• Advise on dispute avoidance, risk management, contractual interpretation and professional negligence.

• Work with a range of standard-form construction contracts, including JCT, NEC, ICE, FIDIC, PPC and GC Works, as well as PFI and bespoke contracts.

• Manage matters involving domestic projects, with the opportunity to contribute to international work.

• Build and maintain effective client relationships, including with developers, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

• Contribute to business development, raise the profile of the practice and support the development of new work.

• Collaborate with colleagues across offices and practice areas, and travel as required.

• Manage files in accordance with Lexcel procedures and maintain effective time management.

• Support and supervise junior associates, and participate in firm-wide and departmental training.

Experience and Skills Sought

• Qualified solicitor with at least 8 years’ PQE in contentious construction.

• Experience of litigation, arbitration and adjudication; experience of complex, high-value defect disputes is desirable.

• Knowledge of JCT, FIDIC and NEC contracts, and an understanding of the Building Safety Act.

• Commercially minded, collaborative and adaptable, with strong communication, file-management and business-development skills.

Hours and Benefits

• Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00

• Hybrid working – 2 days in the office

• 25 days holiday

• 2 x discretionary bonuses each year

• Life Assurance

• Pension

• Free eye tests

• Free health screening

• Dental insurance scheme

• Enhanced maternity leave

• Flexi-holiday scheme (buy or sell up to 5 days of holiday each year)

• Long service awards

• Vitality Health Private Medical Insurance

• Annual salary reviews

• Discounted legal services, including Wills

• Business travel insurance

• Cycle2Work scheme

• and more…

Find Out More or Apply

To find out more about this role, or to have an informal, confidential and non-committal chat, please reach out to [N/A] at Aspiria Legal.