Solicitor / Associate - Construction Disputes (2-4 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Construction Team are recruiting a Solicitor / Associate (2-4 PQE) to join our thriving Construction Disputes practice. This is a full-time, permanent position. The Construction Team at Wedlake Bell has gone from strength to strength in recent years, ranked Tier 3 by Legal 500 (Tier 5 in Construction Disputes) as well as Band 4 by Chambers and Partners.

The collocated contentious and non‑contentious team work closely together and advises at every stage of the construction life cycle, from planning and design through to successful completion, and every stage in between. The team sits within the wider Real Estate Group and works with a variety of leading clients across multiple industries (offices, logistics, retail, ports, healthcare, biotech, data centres etc). Our construction disputes lawyers advise a broad range of clients including developers, contractors, specialist subcontractors, building owners and asset managers. The team is particularly well known for its expertise in adjudication, litigation in the Technology and Construction Court, ADR and arbitration. The team has market leading expertise in Building Safety Act‑related disputes.

Joining the team, you can expect to play a proactive role in your clients’ disputes, often acting as an extension of the project team. Our lawyers are encouraged to take responsibility for running aspects of matters, working closely with clients, experts and counsel to drive disputes forward and achieve commercial outcomes. This is a rare opportunity to join a growing contentious practice, work on high‑quality disputes, and develop your career in a fast‑paced and supportive City environment. If this sounds interesting, and you have established contentious construction experience (either in private practice or in‑house), we encourage you to apply.

Examples of Recent Work:

• Achieving a negotiated settlement for a developer client in respect of a high‑value subcontractor package on a 200‑unit residential development;
• Acting for a private school in relation to a multi‑party defects claim against a contractor and architect;
• Acting in multi‑party Technology and Construction Court proceedings concerning Building Safety Act‑related issues;
• Advising on multiple adjudications arising out of complex commercial developments;
• Advising a hotel owner in relation to disputes arising from a high‑end hotel refurbishment in Mayfair;
• Supporting developer clients on high‑value projects by providing early‑stage dispute strategy, risk management and live project advice, working closely with the wider real estate team.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year‑on‑year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members. Our culture is widely‑recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross‑firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering clear, commercially focused legal advice on a range of contentious construction matters, including adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation;
• Drafting dispute documentation, including pre‑action correspondence, adjudication submissions and responses, statements of case and witness statements;
• Acting as the day‑to‑day contact for clients on ongoing or new contentious matters, under appropriate supervision;
• Supporting the development of the practice by promoting the firm and its work to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a recognised construction law practice;
• At least 2-4 years PQE advising on construction issues – contentious ideally but any advisory experience would also be considered for a candidate wishing to specialise;
• A clear and developed understanding of construction law and its commercial application;
• Strong drafting, analytical and organisational skills;
• Strong client relationship and business‑development skills;
• Strong academic history and ability to "think outside the box" and analyse;
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• A comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face‑to‑face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.