Senior Associate – Construction Disputes – 8+ PQE – Exeter

Overview

您 will join a leading international law firm’s Construction Disputes practice in Exeter, providing expert support on UK disputes across a national contentious team. You will handle ADR, adjudication, mediation, and litigation while advising on risk management and contract interpretation across major standard forms. The role blends technical expertise with business development and cross-office collaboration to safeguard client relationships. You will contribute to high‑profile matters, training, and Lexcel‑compliant file management. This is a platform to shape disputes strategy within a collaborative, growth‑minded environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and participate in ADR processes including adjudication, mediation and pre-action protocols, as well as litigation
• Contribute to dispute avoidance and risk management strategies
• Interpret contracts across JCT, NEC, ICE, FIDIC, PPC, GC Works and bespoke agreements
• Handle professional negligence matters within construction disputes
• Work on predominantly domestic projects with opportunities for international work
• Engage in business development and profile-raising activities
• Collaborate across offices with real estate, construction, and public sector teams
• Participate in firm-wide and departmental training
• Develop 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

• collaborative mindset
• excellent communication
• proactive and solutions-focused
• contentious construction arbitration/litigation
• adjudication
• contract interpretation (JCT, FIDIC, NEC)

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