Job Description

Construction Associate 

Location: Leeds

Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE 

This is an excellent opportunity for a Construction Associate to join a growing construction team in Leeds. The team is actively expanding and can accommodate lawyers with a contentious, non-contentious, or mixed construction background.

You’ll join a collaborative group that includes two Senior Associates, two consultants and a paralegal, with a new Construction Partner due to join in the coming months. If you’re looking for high-quality work, a supportive culture, and the chance to build your profile as the team grows, this role is well worth a look.

The Opportunity

• Advise on a varied range of construction matters, tailored to your background (contentious, non-contentious, or mixed)

• Support on construction disputes, adjudication and wider dispute resolution work where relevant

• Support on non-contentious construction projects where relevant (including drafting and negotiating construction documentation)

• Work closely with senior colleagues on complex matters, with appropriate autonomy as you progress

• Build trusted client relationships and deliver clear, commercial advice

• Contribute to business development and profile-raising activity, with support from the wider team

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across the wider firm where matters overlap

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1 to 5 years’ PQE in construction law (or equivalent experience)

• Experience in either contentious construction, non-contentious construction, or a mixed practice

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Confident communicator with a client-first mindset

• Commercial approach and a proactive, solutions-focused attitude

• Strong team ethic and ability to work well under pressure

Important

• The team is looking specifically for an Associate hire in the 1 to 5 PQE range (NQ and Senior Associate level cannot be considered for this role due to current team structure)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience)

• Leeds location

• Hybrid working and flexible working arrangements

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service)

• Option to buy and sell annual leave (up to 5 days)

• A range of additional benefits (including wellbeing support and employee discounts)

• Supportive culture with clear development and progression as the team grows

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established commercial law firm in Leeds, known for a pragmatic, people-first approach and a collaborative culture. The firm advises businesses and individuals across a broad range of services and is investing in growth across key practice areas, including construction.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working is available, with flexibility depending on the needs of the team and client work.

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. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.