At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on construction disputes and support clients through resolution stages.
- Company: Dynamic law firm in Manchester with a focus on construction law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong development support and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain early responsibility and work on high-calibre construction disputes.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 1+ years’ experience in contentious construction.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits
Experience: 1+ years’ PQE
Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate into its Manchester team, following continued growth in the volume and value of key mandates. This is a strong opportunity for a disputes-focused construction lawyer who wants early responsibility, high-quality work, and the chance to develop long-term within a supportive, high-performing team. You’ll work across formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes
- Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages
- Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)
- Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes
- Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts
- Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)
- Getting involved in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediation (including multi-party mediations)
- Managing your own matters with supervision, and supporting partners and senior lawyers on more complex work
- Supporting client relationship development and contributing to pitches and business development activity
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales
- 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters
- Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and or arbitration
- Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, accurate documents that reflect client instructions
- Strong organisation and document management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines
- Confident communication style and a professional approach with internal and external stakeholders
- Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice
Desirable
- Experience of TCC litigation
- Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence
- Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes
What’s On Offer
- Salary of £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits
- High-calibre work across a broad range of construction disputes
- Early responsibility within a supportive and stretching environment
- Strong development support, including training, mentoring, coaching and regular check-ins
- A genuinely inclusive culture with active networks and a focus on belonging
Working Arrangements
Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be handled in strict confidence.
Contentious Construction Associate in Manchester employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a leading firm in Manchester that offers a dynamic and supportive environment for Contentious Construction Associates. With a focus on high-quality work and early responsibility, you'll benefit from strong development support, including mentoring and training, while being part of an inclusive culture that values collaboration and belonging. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a thriving team, handling diverse construction disputes and engaging with a variety of stakeholders.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contentious Construction Associate in Manchester
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions, 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 Contentious Construction Associate at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Contentious Construction Associate in Manchester
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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨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!
