Senior Associate – Construction Disputes – 8+ PQE – Exeter

Overview

In this role you will join a national contentious construction team to handle a broad range of UK construction disputes, collaborating across offices. You will work on ADR, risk management, contract interpretation across major standard forms, and professional negligence matters, with domestic projects as the core focus and opportunities to support international work. You will also drive business development, build client relationships, and ensure compliant file management within a collaborative, inclusive firm culture. This is a chance to shape high-profile disputes at a leading international law firm.

Responsibilities

• Handle ADR activities including adjudication, mediation, pre-action protocols, and litigation
• Manage dispute avoidance and risk assessment for projects
• Provide contractual interpretation across JCT, NEC, ICE, FIDIC, PPC, GC Works, and bespoke contracts
• Advise on professional negligence matters related to construction
• Support domestic projects with potential international work
• Lead business development and raise the firm’s profile
• Collaborate cross-office with real estate, construction, and public sector teams
• Participate in firm-wide and departmental training
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Ensure file management complies with Lexcel procedures

Key requirements

• Qualified solicitor with 8+ years’ experience in contentious construction
• Experience across litigation, arbitration (domestic or international), and adjudication
• Exposure to complex, high-value defect disputes (desirable)
• Understanding of the Building Safety Act and its implications
• Experience acting for major developers, contractors, consultants, or public sector bodies
• Strong knowledge of JCT, FIDIC, and NEC contracts
• Demonstrable passion for business development
• Drive, enthusiasm, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Proven ability to manage files effectively and supervise junior lawyers

• Excellent communication
• Collaborative mindset
• Proactive, solutions-focused
• JCT contracts
• FIDIC contracts
• NEC contracts

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