Contentious Construction Lawyer – Associate (3-6 PQE)

Job description

A leading City firm with a top‑tier reputation in Construction & Engineering is seeking to hire a talented Contentious Construction Associate (3PQE+) as part of strategic growth within its high‑performing London disputes team.

You will join a specialist platform known for:

• Advising on sophisticated, high‑value construction and engineering disputes across major domestic and international projects
• Acting on complex adjudications, High Court litigation, international arbitration and strategic project advisory mandates
• Supporting clients spanning developers, contractors, infrastructure operators, utilities, funds and major corporates
• Deep expertise across sectors including building safety, industrial engineering, transport & infrastructure, energy, waste and PFI
• Providing commercially focused, solutions‑driven advice directly to in‑house teams, senior stakeholders and project leadership
• Seamless collaboration with colleagues across non‑contentious construction, real estate, projects and wider specialist groups

This is a team operating at the top end of the contentious construction market, handling disputes where judgement, technical insight and strategic thinking are essential.

The Role

You will advise on a broad range of complex contentious construction matters, including:

• Dispute avoidance and strategic project advisory work on live major schemes
• Adjudications, High Court litigation, mediations and arbitrations
• Disputes involving delay, extensions of time, defects, liquidated damages, variations and cost escalation
• Drafting and managing witness evidence, expert evidence and large‑scale disclosure
• Managing document review and digital bundle platforms
• Working with key institutional clients across high‑value, business‑critical matters
• Playing an active role in knowledge sharing, client training, pitching and wider practice development

You will also supervise and mentor junior fee‑earners while benefiting from excellent support and hands‑on partner involvement.

About You

The team is seeking outstanding candidates who:

• Are UK‑qualified with 3PQE+ in contentious construction and engineering disputes
• Have strong experience across adjudication and High Court litigation (arbitration/mediation advantageous but not essential)
• Understand construction and engineering project lifecycles, and the contractual, tortious and statutory rights within the supply chain
• Have hands‑on experience with disclosure, document management systems and preparation of evidence
• Are commercially minded, proactive and confident engaging with internal and external stakeholders
• Thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative and intellectually demanding environment

Candidates from highly regarded contentious construction teams—City, international, or leading regional—are encouraged to apply.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to join an elite contentious construction practice offering:

• Direct access to market‑leading partners and premium disputes work
• A sophisticated, international and sector‑diverse client base
• High‑value, complex matters across the UK and globally
• Genuine long‑term career development and early progression routes
• A supportive, collaborative and high‑performance culture

Contact

For a confidential discussion, please contact James Cockerill at Taylor Root:

jamescockerill@taylorroot.com

Or send a direct message on LinkedIn.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English