William James Recruitment
Construction Disputes Senior Associate / Partner
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Construction Disputes Senior Associate / Partner
Senior Associate / Partner – Construction Disputes (London)
The Role
William James Recruitment, exclusively acting for a boutique construction law firm, is seeking a Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer to join its London-based practice as it enters an exciting phase of growth.
The firm provides top-tier advice to developers and contractors with £100m+ turnover, specialising in transactional and contentious construction matters across domestic projects. Their work spans all major sectors, with a strong focus on JCT and NEC contracts and the resolution of complex, business-critical disputes.
Unlike traditional City model law firms, this practice prioritises high-quality advice, long-term client relationships, and a balanced, sustainable way of working over scalability, rankings, or leverage.
This opportunity is ideal for a high-calibre construction lawyer seeking to join a trusted and independent team, where senior lawyers take ownership of matters, help shape the future of the practice, and deliver commercially focused, bespoke advice.
The Work
Your role will encompass a diverse spectrum of construction and engineering matters, including:
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- Complex construction disputes, covering adjudication, arbitration, and litigation
- Delay and disruption claims, defects disputes, and non-payment issues
- Professional negligence claims involving consultants and project teams
- Strategic dispute avoidance, procurement advice, and contract drafting
Disputes range from high-stakes, high-profile cases under commercial and regulatory scrutiny to fast-moving adjudications. These matters often involve significant commercial pressure, technical complexities, and tight deadlines.
The Candidate
- Senior Associate or Partner-level Construction lawyer
- Proven expertise in construction disputes and/or non-contentious project work
- Deep understanding of JCT and NEC standard form contracts
- Technical excellence, with a calm, pragmatic, and commercially astute approach
- Collaborative mindset that aligns with the firm’s culture while prioritising quality over volume
- Motivated by excellence, integrity, and work-life balance over billable-hour pressures
Culture & Platform
- Boutique model with a low-hierarchy structure
- Supportive, ego-friendly working environment
- Team-based billing expectations—no individual targets
- High autonomy, trust, and flexibility for senior lawyers
- A focus on long-term success, prioritising excellence and balance over traditional agency pressures
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Why This Opportunity?
- Join a specialist construction practice building a strong reputation in the market
- Work on complex, engaging disputes and commercially sensitive construction projects
- Meaningful influence on shaping the practice over the next 6–12 months
- High-quality major developer and contractor clients
- A sustainable alternative to traditional City construction law teams
Benefits & How to Apply
- Highly competitive remuneration
- Flexible working arrangements
- Senior-level autonomy and influence over policy and practice direction
- Contribute to the growth of a respected, specialist construction firm
Apply in strictest confidence via the [online assessment](direct link) or by contacting:
Alice Winter (Retained Consultant) 📞 Direct: 0203 918 1665 📱 Mobile: 0794 405 5476 ✉️ Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment.com
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