At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-quality contentious construction matters and manage complex disputes.
- Company: Top-tier international law firm with a strong reputation in construction law.
- 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 dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: 2+ years PQE in contentious construction and engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 180000 £ 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 International Law Firm in Slough employer: CapeClarke
Join a prestigious Tier 1 international law firm in London, where you will be part of a high-performing Construction & Engineering team renowned for its collaborative culture and commitment to employee development. With early responsibility and meaningful client exposure, this role offers exceptional career progression opportunities while working on complex, high-value matters across diverse sectors. Enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth in one of the world's leading legal markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 International Law Firm in Slough
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CapeClarke, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 International Law Firm at CapeClarke.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Solicitor - Tier 1 International Law Firm in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CapeClarke
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
