At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contentious construction matters and mentor junior lawyers in a supportive team.
- Company: Top 100 West End law firm with a strong office culture and camaraderie.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Clear progression paths to Legal Director or Partnership.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ PQE in contentious construction and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A well-regarded Top 100 West End law firm is hiring an Associate/Senior Associate to support a busy pipeline of contentious construction work. This is a genuinely hands-on role in a close-knit team where senior associates are trusted to run matters, take real client ownership, and play a visible role in developing junior lawyers.
What you'll do:
- Lead and progress contentious construction matters.
- Handle a broad disputes toolkit (often including adjudication, alongside other formal dispute processes).
- Take day-to-day ownership of files: strategy, drafting, evidence, and client management.
- Stay close to market developments and case law and bring practical insight into live matters.
- Act as a team leader: mentoring juniors, sharing know-how, and helping maintain a high-performing culture.
What you'll need:
- Typically 3+ PQE in contentious construction (flexible where experience is strong).
- Credible exposure to Building Safety work is helpful.
- Strong technical fundamentals across construction disputes and confidence running files.
- A collaborative, team-first approach and the motivation to keep developing.
- UK practising rights (the team is open-minded on background, including common law qualifiers who can practise in the UK).
The Team:
Small, high-trust group with a strong office culture and real camaraderie. Senior associates are encouraged to be present and visible—both for client delivery and junior development. You'll work closely with an experienced senior lawyer, giving strong support without micromanagement.
The firm:
Offers a clear progression framework with two credible tracks: Legal Director (for those who want top-quality work without a heavy BD focus), and Partnership (for those driving longer-term progression). Known for developing from within and supporting lawyers as they step up.
Package & working style (at a glance):
- Highly competitive salary.
- Bonus: discretionary, recognising both billable contribution and wider input.
- Hours: billable expectation in the region of 1300 (plus meaningful non-billable/BD contribution).
- Hybrid: WFH possible up to 2 days for senior hires, but the team generally enjoys being in.
If you want a senior role with real autonomy, strong quality of work, and a genuinely supportive (and enjoyable) team environment, this one is worth a confidential chat.
Construction Disputes Associate/Senior Associate in London employer: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Join a prestigious Top 100 West End law firm that prides itself on fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. As a Construction Disputes Associate/Senior Associate, you'll benefit from a clear progression framework, competitive salary, and the opportunity to mentor junior lawyers while managing your own cases. With a supportive team environment and flexible working options, this role offers a unique chance to thrive in your legal career while enjoying a strong sense of camaraderie.
Contact Details:
Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment Recruitment Team
