Associate – Contentious Construction – Bristol – 3+ Years PQE

Overview

In this role you join a leading national law firm’s Bristol Construction team to handle complex, high-value contentious construction disputes. You will work on adjudication, litigation, arbitration, and mediation across diverse projects in construction and energy, advising on contract management and dispute avoidance. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams and support clients from private and public sectors, benefiting from strong training and specialist guidance. This is an opportunity to shape strategy on major disputes and contribute to the firm’s growing construction practice.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working arrangements
• clear career progression
• structured professional development
• supportive and collaborative team environment
• opportunities to work with prestigious national and international clients
• strong cross departmental support and resources

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of contentious construction matters, including litigation, adjudication, arbitration and mediation
• Advise on contract management and dispute avoidance strategies
• Handle disputes across projects in commercial development, utilities, renewable energy, and facilities management
• Collaborate with Real Estate, Corporate, Commercial and Planning teams to provide cross-disciplinary advice
• Engage with high-value matters, including recently reported cases
• Work directly with clients from outset and leverage training and support from a Senior Knowledge Lawyer

Key requirements

• 3+ years PQE in contentious construction
• Strong experience in adjudication and court litigation processes
• Excellent communication and ability to provide 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 provide strategic and contractual interpretation guidance
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build lasting client relationships
• Genuine interest in construction and infrastructure sector and its evolving legal landscape
• Motivation and ambition to contribute to team growth

• strong communication
• collaborative mindset
• client relationship skills
• adjudication
• court litigation
• arbitration

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