Construction solicitor

Senior Contentious Construction Associate | London | 5+ PQE | Business Development Opportunities |

A leading UK law firm with a nationally recognised Construction practice is seeking a Senior Associate to join its highly regarded contentious construction team. The firm enjoys a formidable reputation for acting on high-profile construction disputes across the private and public sectors, including major developers, contractors, consultants, and public bodies.

The team handles a broad range of UK contentious construction matters across all major contract forms (JCT, NEC, ICE, FIDIC, PPC, GC Works), as well as PFI and bespoke contracts. You will work alongside a dedicated team of 27 construction specialists and collaborate with colleagues across other UK offices and the London real estate practice.

Why This Role?

  • High-Profile Disputes: Advise on complex, high-value domestic construction disputes, with opportunities to be involved in international matters.

  • Broad Contract Experience: Work across all major standard forms, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC, PPC and bespoke contracts, as well as PFI projects.

  • Cross-Office Collaboration: Collaborate closely with colleagues in other offices and practice areas, including real estate, corporate and public sector teams.

  • Business Development Opportunities: Play an active role in client development and raising the firm’s profile in the construction market.

  • Career Growth: Join a nationally recognised, award-winning team with strong support for training, mentoring, and career development.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Advising clients on all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including adjudication, mediation, litigation, and arbitration.

  • Managing risk and dispute avoidance strategies across a range of construction projects.

  • Providing guidance on contractual interpretation and professional negligence claims.

  • Leading or supporting contentious matters for domestic and international projects.

  • Participating in business development and marketing initiatives to grow the practice.

  • Collaborating across teams and offices on complex multi-disciplinary matters.

  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships and managing client expectations.

  • Ensuring files are maintained in line with Lexcel procedures and firm standards.

  • Mentoring and supervising junior associates within the team.

What You Will Need

  • Qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in contentious construction law.

  • Solid experience across dispute resolution: litigation, adjudication, mediation, and arbitration (domestic and/or international).

  • Experience handling complex, high-value disputes and defect claims is desirable.

  • Knowledge of the Building Safety Act and its implications for the construction sector.

  • Experience advising large, high-profile private or social sector developers.

  • Familiarity with standard form contracts including JCT, NEC, and FIDIC.

  • Strong business development skills and demonstrable interest in growing a client base.

  • Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills.

  • Proven ability to manage files, supervise junior team members, and handle competing deadlines.

  • A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach, with drive and enthusiasm for complex construction work.

Contact: 

anna.thompson@saccomann.com

0113 547 8450