Job Description

Construction Law – Principal Associate (Disputes)

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to hire a Principal Associate into its nationally recognised Construction team, based in Liverpool, with a primary focus on contentious construction work.

This is a great move if you want a disputes-led construction role with variety, high-value matters, and the support of a broader Real Estate platform. You’ll work across a wide range of sectors and will be trusted to run matters with autonomy, while collaborating closely with colleagues on complex, multi-party disputes.

The team advises on construction risk management from procurement through to completion, and acts for a broad client base across both private and public sector. From a disputes perspective, you’ll be involved in adjudication, arbitration, TCC proceedings, mediation and expert determination. While the role is disputes-first, non-contentious experience (JCT, NEC4 and related documents) is valued.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a disputes-focused construction caseload, including running adjudications

• Advising clients on construction dispute resolution, including adjudication and mediation

• Drafting key documents including correspondence, pleadings, witness statements, instructions to counsel and attendance notes

• Supporting colleagues with their caseloads across contentious matters, and non-contentious work where applicable

• Advising on construction risk management and strategy

• Contributing to client relationship development and business development activity

• Working to agreed financial and chargeable targets and KPIs

• Ensuring deadlines and quality measures are met

• Working in line with internal policies and procedures

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in construction law

• Strong contentious construction experience, with the ability to lead and run a disputes caseload

• Experience of adjudication is essential

• Non-contentious experience is valued but not essential (including JCT, NEC4 and related documents)

• Strong technical ability and sound judgement

• Excellent organisation and time management, comfortable managing competing deadlines

• Confident communicator with strong client handling skills

• Collaborative approach and strong team working skills

• Strong IT skills and attention to detail

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (where the role allows)

• 28 days’ holiday

• Private healthcare (option to add family at employee cost)

• Pension matching up to 6%

• Life insurance (4x salary)

• Income protection (after 26 weeks’ incapacity)

• Technology benefit scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Discounted gym membership

• Employee-funded dental scheme

• Travel loan

• 24/7 employee care helpline

• Offers and discounts at major retailers

• Ongoing learning and development, including mentoring and leadership development

• A people-centric culture with a genuine focus on inclusion and wellbeing

Working Arrangements

• Full time

• Permanent

• Liverpool based

• Hybrid working (where the role allows)

Next Steps (How to Apply)

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 treated in the strictest confidence. We will not share any details with our client without your express permission.