Senior Associate, Contentious Construction – Leading International Law Firm (5 – 9 PQE)

Company: Rutherford
Apply for the Senior Associate, Contentious Construction – Leading International Law Firm (5 – 9 PQE)
Location: London
Job Description:

A leading international law firm is looking to hire a Construction Disputes Associate into its highly regarded London practice.

The team advises on complex, high-value construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes in the UK and internationally, acting for major developers, contractors, engineering businesses and other participants in large-scale projects. The practice has a particularly strong international dimension, with matters spanning the UK, Middle East, Asia and other key markets.

The work covers international arbitration, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including disputes concerning delay and disruption, termination, defects, payment and other contractual issues arising from major infrastructure, energy and engineering projects.

The Role

The associate will work closely with a highly regarded partner and wider specialist team, taking meaningful responsibility for complex matters and benefiting from strong client and partner exposure.

The role will include:

  • Managing significant construction and engineering disputes through to resolution.
  • Drafting pleadings, submissions, witness statements and other key documents.
  • Preparing for arbitrations, hearings and litigation.
  • Advising clients on case strategy and complex contractual and technical issues.
  • Supervising junior lawyers and contributing to business development where appropriate.

The role offers a strong mix of international arbitration and litigation, alongside the opportunity to build a long-term specialism within a leading contentious construction practice.

Candidate Profile

  • 5–9 PQE with strong contentious construction and/or engineering experience.
  • England & Wales or Irish qualified.
  • Ideally at least one year of experience practicing in the UK market.
  • Experience gained within a leading City, international, national or specialist disputes practice.
  • Strong experience of international arbitration and/or substantial commercial litigation.
  • Exposure to major infrastructure, energy, EPC or engineering projects is highly desirable.
  • Experience of delay, disruption, termination, defects or other complex construction claims would be advantageous.
  • Strong drafting, analytical and case-management skills, with the confidence to deal directly with sophisticated clients and experts.

Why Consider the Role?

This is an opportunity to join a top-tier international disputes platform and work on sophisticated, high-value construction matters across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will receive significant responsibility, direct partner and client exposure, and excellent opportunities to develop their profile and progress within a leading specialist practice.

Posted: August 23rd, 2026