At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-quality contentious construction matters and manage client relationships.
- Company: Top-tier City law firm with a strong reputation in Construction & Engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early responsibility, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to diverse sectors and international mandates.
- Why this job: Join a leading team and work on complex, high-value projects that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2-8 years PQE in contentious construction and strong knowledge of construction contracts.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly regarded City law firm seeking a talented Contentious Construction Associate / Senior Associate (2-8 PQE) to join its market-leading London team. This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of the City’s preeminent specialist Construction & Engineering practices, advising on high-quality contentious matters across a diverse range of sectors.
The Role
Due to continued growth and an increasing volume of instructions, the team is looking to recruit a specialist contentious lawyer to advise on:
- Project advisory work on ‘live’ construction and engineering projects, assisting clients in managing risk and mitigating disputes
- Formal dispute resolution including adjudication, High Court litigation, arbitration, and mediation
You will play a central role in complex, high-value matters while developing strong client relationships and contributing to the continued expansion of the practice.
The Team
The Construction & Engineering team sits within the firm’s Real Estate Group and comprises both contentious and non-contentious specialists. It is a high-performing, cohesive and busy team with an excellent reputation for:
- Providing early responsibility
- Offering meaningful client exposure
- Supporting career progression within a collaborative and ambitious environment
You will work closely with non-contentious construction lawyers, transactional real estate colleagues, and projects teams on a broad range of domestic and international mandates.
The Work
The practice advises clients across the full supply chain and a variety of sectors, including:
- Living sector (with particular focus on building safety)
- Transport & infrastructure
- Energy & waste
- PFI projects
The work spans early-stage advisory support through to formal dispute resolution proceedings. You will also:
- Supervise and mentor trainees and paralegals
- Assist with business development initiatives and pitches
- Take an active role in managing and developing key client relationships
Candidate Requirements
To be considered, you will have:
- 2-8 years’ PQE in contentious construction and engineering
- Experience of both project advisory work and formal dispute resolution
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts and the contractual, tortious, and statutory rights arising across the supply chain
- Experience handling issues such as delay, extensions of time, liquidated damages, additional costs, and defects
- Experience of adjudication and High Court litigation procedure (Arbitration and mediation experience advantageous but not essential)
- Experience managing large-scale document review and disclosure exercises, including familiarity with document management, and bundling platforms
- Exposure to preparing witness and expert evidence
- Excellent organisational and diary management capabilities
The successful candidate will be commercially aware, inquisitive and motivated to understand clients’ businesses in order to deliver high-quality, strategic advice. This is a superb opportunity to join a top-tier team offering genuine responsibility, high-quality work and excellent long-term career prospects in the London market.
For a confidential discussion, please apply with your CV or for a confidential discussion then please do contact Craig Heywood Director at CapeClarke - 07990068183.
Construction Solicitor - Contentious - Tier 1 Firm employer: CapeClarke
CapeClarke is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement within our top-tier team. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded, making a meaningful impact in the field of property litigation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Solicitor - Contentious - Tier 1 Firm
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We think you need these skills to ace Construction Solicitor - Contentious - Tier 1 Firm
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at CapeClarke, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in CapeClarke and the specific role of Construction Solicitor - Contentious - Tier 1 Firm. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for CapeClarke’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at CapeClarke
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at CapeClarke.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at CapeClarke.
