Construction Disputes Associate/Senior Associate

Company: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Apply for the Construction Disputes Associate/Senior Associate
Location: London
Job Description:

A well-regarded Top 100 West End law firm is hiring a Associate/Senior Associate to support a busy pipeline contentious construction work.

This is a genuinely hands-on role in a close-knit team where senior associates are trusted to run matters, take real client ownership, and play a visible role in developing junior lawyers.

What you’ll do

  • Lead and progress contentious construction matters
  • Handle a broad disputes toolkit (often including adjudication, alongside other formal dispute processes).
  • Take day-to-day ownership of files: strategy, drafting, evidence, and client management.
  • Stay close to market developments and case law and bring practical insight into live matters.
  • Act as a team leader: mentoring juniors, sharing know-how, and helping maintain a high-performing culture.

What you’ll need

  • Typically 3+ PQE in contentious construction (flexible where experience is strong).
  • Credible exposure to Building Safety work is helpful
  • Strong technical fundamentals across construction disputes and confidence running files.
  • A collaborative, team-first approach and the motivation to keep developing
  • UK practising rights (the team is open-minded on background, including common law qualifiers who can practise in the UK).

The Team

  • Small, high-trust group with a strong office culture and real camaraderie.
  • Senior associates are encouraged to be present and visible—both for client delivery and junior development.
  • You’ll work closely with an experienced senior lawyer, giving strong support without micromanagement.

The firm

  • Offers a clear progression framework with two credible tracks:
  • Legal Director (for those who want top-quality work without a heavy BD focus), and
  • Partnership (for those driving longer-term progression).
  • Known for developing from within and supporting lawyers as they step up.

Package & working style (at a glance)

  • Highly competitive salary
  • Bonus: discretionary, recognising both billable contribution and wider input
  • Hours: billable expectation in the region of 1300 (plus meaningful non-billable/BD contribution)
  • Hybrid: WFH possible up to 2 days for senior hires, but the team generally enjoys being in.

If you want a senior role with real autonomy, strong quality of work, and a genuinely supportive (and enjoyable) team environment, this one is worth a confidential chat.

Posted: July 5th, 2026