Senior Associate/Counsel

Senior Associate / Counsel – Construction Disputes

London

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an ambitious construction disputes lawyer to join a highly regarded international law firm's established construction disputes practice in London. The team is continuing to grow following a sustained period of success, winning significant new instructions and competing successfully against some of the market's other leading construction practices.

The opportunity would suit an experienced Senior Associate or Counsel looking for greater autonomy, responsibility and a platform to develop their profile,

The Practice

The construction disputes team has built a strong reputation over the past decade, supported by a collaborative, high-performing group of lawyers known for their technical ability, work ethic and commitment to delivering exceptional results, providing clients with consistently high-calibre support across complex, high-value matters.

The team is particularly busy and continues to win significant work, including competitive pitches against other leading construction disputes practices. This growth has created an opportunity for an experienced lawyer to take greater ownership of matters, support the development of junior colleagues and help the Partners continue to expand the practice.

The Work

The successful candidate will work closely with leading Partners on a broad range of complex construction and engineering disputes across the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.

The practice handles the full spectrum of contentious work, including:

• International arbitration: High-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes under the ICC, LCIA and LMAA Rules.
• Litigation: Complex proceedings before the English High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
• Adjudication: Regular involvement in construction adjudications, alongside associated enforcement and litigation.
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution: Advising clients on dispute resolution strategy and achieving commercial outcomes.
• Project support: Working closely with clients throughout the project lifecycle, from early-stage advice and risk management through to formal proceedings and final resolution.

The team's sector coverage includes renewable energy, oil and gas, energy transition projects, major infrastructure developments such as roads, bridges and airports, and transport.

International work forms a substantial part of the practice's revenue, with regular collaboration across offices in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Lawyers have opportunities to work on cross-border matters, develop relationships with international colleagues and clients, and travel internationally as part of their work.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a senior lawyer to take on a meaningful role within a growing practice, with genuine responsibility for running matters and managing client relationships.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Run complex construction disputes with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for matters from inception through to resolution.
• Work directly with clients, providing clear, commercially focused advice and developing trusted relationships.
• Supervise, manage and develop junior Associates, setting high standards and helping them understand what excellent legal work looks like.
• Support Partners in delivering complex matters while helping create the capacity for further business development and growth.
• Contribute to the team's continued success through client development, relationship management and participation in pitches.
• Work collaboratively across international offices and contribute to the firm's wider construction and engineering offering.

The team maintains close Partner involvement across its matters, providing an environment where lawyers are supported and challenged while being trusted to take ownership of their work.

Candidate Profile

The firm is ideally looking for a lawyer with 7+ years' PQE, although candidates from 5 PQE onwards will be considered where they can demonstrate the right experience and level of responsibility.

Candidates should have:

• Strong experience in contentious construction and engineering matters, ideally across litigation, arbitration and/or adjudication.
• The ability to manage complex files independently and exercise sound commercial judgement.
• Previous supervisory or management experience, including the development of junior lawyers.
• Confidence in client-facing situations and an interest in developing client relationships.
• An ambitious, proactive approach and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to a successful practice.
• Excellent technical skills, strong attention to detail and a consistently high standard of work.

Experience of international disputes, energy or infrastructure projects, overseas work or additional languages would be advantageous.

The firm places considerable emphasis on recognising and developing talent. There is a formal progression route to Counsel, supported by an application process, while Partnership route can be discussed for those at the right level.

Although promotion timelines depend on individual performance and business needs, there is scope for ambitious lawyers to build their profile, gain recognition in the legal directories and progress within a relatively young Partnership. The firm actively supports lawyers in developing their external reputation and being recognised for their expertise.

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful international construction disputes practice offering sophisticated work, close Partner access, genuine responsibility and the scope to make a name for oneself within the market.

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