Associate – Contentious Construction – Exeter – 3+ Years PQE

Overview

In this role you will handle high-value contentious construction matters within a national firm’s Exeter team. You will work on construction and energy disputes across litigation, adjudication, arbitration and mediation, advising on contract management and dispute avoidance. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional colleagues and engage with complex cases, supported by a specialist knowledge lawyer and ongoing development. This position offers hybrid work, exposure to prestigious clients, and opportunities to shape strategy in a growing practice.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements
• Structured professional development
• Supportive collaborative team environment
• Career progression
• Work with prestigious national and international clients
• Strong cross-departmental support and resources

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied, high-quality caseload of contentious construction matters
• Advise on construction and energy disputes across litigation, adjudication, arbitration and mediation
• Address payment issues, delays, defects and professional negligence in disputes
• Advise on contract management and dispute avoidance strategies
• Work across projects (commercial development, utilities, renewable energy, residential, O&M/service contracts, facilities management)
• Support clients across private and public sectors including multinationals, authorities, developers, contractors and funders
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial and Planning teams for cross-disciplinary advice
• Engage with complex, high value matters, including those reported in recent years
• Work directly with clients from the outset with ongoing training and senior knowledge support

Key requirements

• 3+ years PQE in contentious construction
• Strong experience in adjudication and court litigation processes
• Excellent communication and ability to deliver clear, commercial advice
• Meticulous drafting skills and high attention to detail
• Experience with JCT and NEC contracts, familiarity with professional appointments
• Exposure to adjudication, arbitration and expert determination
• Ability to manage complex disputes and advise on strategy and contract interpretation
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build strong client relationships
• Genuine interest in construction and infrastructure sector and its evolving legal landscape
• Motivation and ambition to contribute to team growth

• Excellent communication
• Collaborative mindset
• Client relationship building
• Adjudication and court litigation
• JCT and NEC contracts
• Professional appointments

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