At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-quality contentious construction matters and manage complex disputes.
- Company: Top-tier law firm with a strong reputation in construction and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and exposure to high-profile clients.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a leading team and make a real impact in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: 2+ years PQE in contentious construction and strong dispute resolution skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 130000 € per year.
We are working with a highly regarded City law firm seeking a talented Contentious Construction & Engineering Associate (2+ 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)
- Industrial engineering
- 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+ 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
- Strong stakeholder management skills
- 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.
Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 Law Firm in London employer: CapeClarke
Join a leading City law firm renowned for its exceptional Construction & Engineering practice, where you will thrive in a collaborative and ambitious environment. With a strong focus on career progression, you will gain early responsibility and meaningful client exposure while working on high-value contentious matters across diverse sectors. The firm's commitment to employee growth and development, coupled with its excellent reputation, makes it an outstanding employer for those seeking a rewarding legal career in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 Law Firm in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the construction law scene! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in contentious construction matters. Share specific examples of how you've managed disputes or provided project advisory work. This will show them you know your stuff and are ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the firm and its recent cases before any interview. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like High Court litigation and arbitration. Confidence is key, so practice your responses to common questions and scenarios.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’re always looking for talented individuals who are passionate about construction law, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 Law Firm in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Construction Solicitor. Highlight your 2+ years of PQE in contentious construction and engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your experience with project advisory work and formal dispute resolution.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about construction law and how your skills align with the firm’s needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage risk and mitigate disputes.
Showcase Your Client Management Skills:Since building strong client relationships is key, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed client interactions in previous roles. This will show us that you’re not just a legal whiz but also great at connecting with clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CapeClarke
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction contracts and the various dispute resolution methods. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied your expertise in contentious construction matters.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles and how they relate to the position. Highlight your experience with project advisory work, formal dispute resolution, and any relevant high-profile cases you've worked on. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Client Relationships Matter
Since this role involves developing strong client relationships, think of examples where you've successfully managed client expectations or resolved conflicts. Being able to articulate your approach to stakeholder management will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to contentious construction issues or their recent projects. This shows your genuine interest in the firm and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
