Job Description

Contentious Construction Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 1+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate into its Manchester team, following continued growth in the volume and value of key mandates.

This is a strong opportunity for a disputes-focused construction lawyer who wants early responsibility, high-quality work, and the chance to develop long-term within a supportive, high-performing team.

You’ll work across formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes

• Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages

• Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)

• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes

• Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts

• Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)

• Getting involved in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediation (including multi-party mediations)

• Managing your own matters with supervision, and supporting partners and senior lawyers on more complex work

• Supporting client relationship development and contributing to pitches and business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters

• Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and or arbitration

• Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, accurate documents that reflect client instructions

• Strong organisation and document management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Confident communication style and a professional approach with internal and external stakeholders

• Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice

Desirable

• Experience of TCC litigation

• Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence

• Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits

• High-calibre work across a broad range of construction disputes

• Early responsibility within a supportive and stretching environment

• Strong development support, including training, mentoring, coaching and regular check-ins

• A genuinely inclusive culture with active networks and a focus on belonging

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.

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.