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Contentious Construction Lawyer – Associate, 3+ PQE.

This is an opportunity to join the Middle East Construction practice of a leading international law firm, advising on contentious construction matters across the GCC region. The role sits within a market-leading Construction and Engineering team that forms part of one of the firm's largest and most significant practice areas.

Location
Dubai
Level
3+ PQE
Type
Permanent
Posted
14 May 2026
Dubai Full time, permanent Reference MRP-13946
The brief

The role,
in context.

This is an opportunity to join the Middle East Construction practice of a leading international law firm, advising on contentious construction matters across the GCC region. The role sits within a market-leading Construction and Engineering team that forms part of one of the firm's largest and most significant practice areas.

The team is actively engaged across the full GCC construction industry, advising sponsors, funders, developers, employers, contractors, sub-contractors and professional teams. The disputes work spans arbitration, litigation and all forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with deep experience on major projects across the energy and utilities, healthcare, transport infrastructure and real estate sectors.

The construction practice continues to attract significant new instructions from longstanding and new clients in the region, and is focused on further strengthening its market-leading offering. You will play a vital role in delivering exceptional client service and contributing to the ongoing growth of the construction disputes practice in the Middle East.

Day to day

What you'll
be doing.

01
Manage litigation and arbitration proceedings on high-value, complex construction disputes
02
Prepare case strategies and draft pleadings, submissions and a wide range of legal documents
03
Attend hearings and liaise with experts and witnesses
04
Conduct detailed legal research on construction law issues
05
Stay abreast of developments in local and international construction law
06
Work directly with experienced partners and engage with clients on major construction and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East
07
Take ownership of matters with early responsibility, supported by a high-performing team
08
Contribute to the team's growing market presence and reputation across the GCC
Candidate profile

Who we're
looking for.

i
At least 3 years' post-qualification experience in construction law, ideally gained at a leading or mid-tier firm
ii
Strong focus on contentious construction matters
iii
Strong technical knowledge of construction law with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice
iv
Proven ability to manage multiple matters efficiently, meet deadlines and maintain high standards of client service in a fast-paced environment
v
Excellent drafting skills, with confidence in preparing legally effective documents tailored to client needs
vi
Committed to professional growth, continuous learning and contributing to team success
vii
Proactive, enthusiastic and resilient under pressure
viii
Genuine interest in understanding clients' objectives to deliver impactful advice
Why this role

The honest
upside.

01
Join a market-leading construction disputes practice with a significant and growing GCC footprint
02
Work on high-value, complex disputes for major public and private sector clients across the Middle East
03
Engage directly with experienced partners and high-profile clients from day one
04
Broad sector exposure including energy and utilities, healthcare, transport infrastructure and real estate
05
Early responsibility and the opportunity to take true ownership of matters
06
Challenging yet supportive environment designed to stretch your abilities while fostering professional growth
07
Be part of a high-performing, cohesive and busy team in a collegiate culture
08
Dubai-based role offering exposure to GCC-wide work and major regional infrastructure projects
What happens next

No CV blasted
without your say-so.

Step one
A proper conversation. 20 minutes, by phone or in person — about you, the firm and whether this actually fits.
Step two
Firm name disclosed. Only when you're qualified in and comfortable. Detailed brief and live mandates shared.
Step three
Submission & prep. CV sent only on your express permission. Tailored interview prep and honest offer support throughout.
Not quite right?

Tell us what
would fit.

If this one isn't the brief for you, send a private note anyway. We'll let you know when something matches — and we'll never share your details until you say so.

Sanjay Gondalia
Sanjay Gondalia
Managing Director