William James Recruitment
Contentious Construction Associate
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Contentious Construction Associate
Construction Associate – Contentious Construction
About the Firm
William James Recruitment is instructed by a leading international law firm, ranked highly across its practice areas in legal directories. The firm excels in Construction, Real Estate, and Corporate law, with an established presence in the UK and internationally. Known for advising on complex, high-value projects and Construction disputes, it serves a diverse client base, including public and private sectors.
The firm’s Construction, Engineering & Projects team is a cornerstone of its practice, renowned for its technical expertise and commercial approach. This team handles the full spectrum of services—from project inception and procurement to dispute avoidance and resolution.
The firm is trusted by major clients such as developers, contractors, consultants, investors, and government bodies, specialising in real estate development, infrastructure, and regeneration. It is also at the forefront of building safety and fire-related disputes, an area of significant growth.
The firm cultivates a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture, placing a strong emphasis on career development, knowledge sharing, and sustainable growth. ESG principles are embedded in its strategic and operational decision-making.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Role
The firm is seeking a London-based Associate to join its contentious construction team, driven by continued growth. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with a broad mix of high-quality disputes, alongside exposure to advisory and dispute avoidance work.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with experienced partners and colleagues across the firm’s national platform
- Benefit from strong mentorship while taking on meaningful responsibilities and early client contact
- Advise on a wide range of construction and engineering matters, including:
- Complex construction disputes (adjudication, arbitration, litigation, mediation)
- Delay and disruption claims, final accounts, defects, and quality issues
- Building safety and fire-related disputes, including cladding matters
- Professional negligence and insurance-related claims
- Strategic dispute avoidance and risk management
- Procurement and contract structuring advice
- Drafting and negotiating construction contracts, ancillary documentation
The Candidate
The firm is looking for an England & Wales-qualified solicitor with:
- 1–3 years’ PQE
- Experience in contentious construction work, particularly in adjudication and/or litigation
- Exposure to arbitration and other ADR processes (preferred)
- Familiarity with standard form contracts, including JCT, NEC, and FIDIC
- Strong technical, analytical, and drafting skills
- A confident communicator with a commercial and pragmatic approach
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Experience in fire safety or building defects disputes is advantageous but not essential.
Culture & Platform
- International firm with a strong reputation in construction and infrastructure
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Access to high-quality work and leading clients across multiple sectors
- Clear focus on development, progression, and mentoring
- Inclusive culture committed to ESG principles and responsible business
Benefits & Application
- Highly competitive remuneration and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements (50% office attendance)
- Sociable law firm with the opportunity to join a growing, respected construction practice
Apply in strictest confidence or contact:
Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)
- Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665
- Mobile: 0794 405 5476
- Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location