Construction Disputes Senior Associate

  • Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
  • 25/02/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

A well-regarded West End law firm is hiring a Senior Associate to support a busy pipeline of building safety and wider 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 with a particular focus on Building Safety-driven disputes.
  • 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 6-8 PQE in contentious construction (flexible where experience is strong).
  • Credible exposure to Building Safety work (a genuine priority for the team).
  • Strong technical fundamentals across construction disputes and confidence running files.
  • A collaborative, team-first approach and the motivation to keep developing (this is not a "quiet 9-5" seat).
  • 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)
  • Salary: up to c. £110,000 (depending on fit/experience)
  • Bonus: discretionary, recognising both billable contribution and wider input
  • Hours: billable expectation in the region of 1300 (plus meaningful non-billable/BD contribution)
  • Hybrid: more office-led than most teams; 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 building safety work, and a genuinely supportive (and enjoyable) team environment, this one is worth a confidential chat.