Job title: Construction Associate
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: 1 Year PQE Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £75,000.00
Location: Leeds, UK
Job published: 2026-02-18
Job ID: 55613
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

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.