The brief
The role,
in context.
A market-leading international law firm is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate (1+ PQE) into its Manchester team. Continued growth in the value and volume of key mandates has created a new opening for a construction lawyer to take a central role in contentious matters and help drive further expansion of the practice.
Day to day
What you'll
be doing.
01
Work on a diverse range of contentious construction and engineering disputes, including contractual claims, professional negligence (acting for both claimants and defendants), and disputes arising from major infrastructure projects — PFI/PPP schemes (schools, hospitals, regeneration), energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities and engineering installation contracts (including MF1 contracts).
02
Advise on construction disputes relating to consultant appointments, warranties, construction and development contracts across living, office, retail, life sciences, energy, industrials and transport sectors.
03
Handle your own matters with appropriate supervision, and assist Partners and Managing Associates on more complex mandates.
04
Gain exposure to all forms of ADR, including without-prejudice meetings and multi-party mediations, advising clients throughout the process.
05
Support pitching for new work and developing existing client relationships, acting for Developers, Lenders, Contractors, Consultants and Public Sector Bodies.
Candidate profile
Who we're
looking for.
i
At least 1+ years’ PQE in contentious construction matters with strong skills in dispute avoidance, dispute resolution and project management.
ii
Construction litigation experience covering some of: TCC litigation, adjudication, High Court litigation and arbitration; drafting pleadings; preparing witness and expert statements; bundling and related procedural work.
iii
Confident stakeholder manager comfortable engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.
iv
Excellent procedural and document-management capabilities, with the ability to draft clear, legally effective documents that reflect the client’s instructions.
v
Efficient diary and task management across a varied caseload, with the accuracy and client-service levels expected in a high-performing team.
vi
Inquisitive mindset — a genuine interest in understanding clients, their drivers and what matters to them.
Why this role
The honest
upside.
01
High-calibre, market-leading contentious construction work, including international arbitration on energy projects, adjudication on major Real Estate developments and some of the largest PFI/PPP projects.
02
Early responsibility — you can expect to take a leading role on matters within a supportive and stretching environment.
03
Cross-team exposure to Real Estate, Banking and PFI/Projects, covering the full range of construction, engineering and procurement issues across public and private sectors.
04
A cohesive, high-performing team that takes a genuine interest in your development and long-term career ambitions.
05
Competitive salary; permanent, full-time role based in Manchester.
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.
