At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver clear legal advice on construction disputes and manage client relationships.
- Company: Wedlake Bell, a Top 100 law firm in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Supportive culture with excellent career growth and social events.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and work on high-profile construction disputes.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in construction law with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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.
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.
Solicitor / Associate - Construction Disputes (2-4 PQE) in London employer: Wedlake Bell
Wedlake Bell is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant City of London, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises work/life balance and personal development. As part of a top-tier law firm, you will have the opportunity to engage in high-quality construction disputes while benefiting from comprehensive employee wellbeing initiatives, competitive salaries, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us to advance your career in a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor / Associate - Construction Disputes (2-4 PQE) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction law field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Wedlake Bell. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of recent construction disputes and legislation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and the firm’s focus areas. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet someone from the firm, whether it’s at a networking event or an informal chat, have a concise and compelling introduction ready. Highlight your relevant experience and what excites you about joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to join Wedlake Bell and be part of their thriving Construction Disputes practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor / Associate - Construction Disputes (2-4 PQE) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in construction law, especially any contentious work you've done. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for us. Mention specific projects or cases that relate to our work at Wedlake Bell, especially in construction disputes. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff – we want to know why you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it makes it easier for us to track your application and get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wedlake Bell
✨Know Your Construction Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction law, especially in relation to contentious issues. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and developments, particularly those involving adjudication, mediation, and the Building Safety Act. This will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've managed client relationships in the past. Share specific examples where you acted as the day-to-day contact for clients and how you navigated complex disputes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities expected in this role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be presented with hypothetical scenarios related to construction disputes. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would approach these situations, including drafting dispute documentation and advising clients. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate who can think on their feet.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Discuss how you've worked with project teams, experts, and counsel to drive disputes forward. This will align with the firm's culture of trust and collaboration, making you a more appealing candidate.
