Construction Solicitor – Senior Associate
Holmes & Hills is a regional law firm with offices across Essex and Suffolk, delivering high‑quality legal services across the UK.
The role
We are seeking an experienced Construction Solicitor (Associate or Senior Associate) to join our expanding Construction team. You will work alongside Partners Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce on a broad range of complex and high‑value contentious construction matters across the UK.
You will manage your own caseload of adjudications, enforcement proceedings and court litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC). You may also advise on non‑contentious issues including contract drafting, risk management and project strategy.
You will play an active role in business development and client relationship management, supported by an experienced marketing team and strong firm‑wide networks across the construction sector.
Illustrative recent instructions
* Acted in multiple high‑value adjudications involving interim and final account disputes, variations, and loss and expense claims, including a multi‑million‑pound loss of profit claim following a national housebuilder’s repudiatory breach of contract.
* Successfully enforced adjudicator’s decisions in the TCC, including defending jurisdictional challenges and securing declaratory relief under Part 8 proceedings.
* Advised on complex contract structures and risk allocation under JCT and NEC forms, providing early‑stage project advice to prevent disputes and protect commercial positions.
* Represented a national main contractor in relation to contentious issues arising on a major UK infrastructure project, advising on delay, disruption, and entitlement strategy.
* Advised a specialist groundworks contractor on a £28 million package at a power station, including claims for delay, variation, and quantum assessment.
* Secured urgent injunctive relief for a leading scaffolding contractor to recover misappropriated equipment valued in excess of £500,000.
* Provided in‑house training for clients on contract management, introduction to construction law, and dispute avoidance.
* Supported national trade associations including the Scaffolding Association, National Association of Shopfitters, and the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing and Lead Contractors.
Required experience and qualifications
* Qualified solicitor with solid experience in contentious construction law, ideally gained within a recognised construction or commercial litigation practice.
* Hands‑on experience running or assisting with adjudications, enforcement proceedings and TCC litigation.
* Sound understanding of the Construction Act, payment mechanisms, and key contractual principles under JCT and NEC forms.
* Confidence to handle matters autonomously, manage client relationships directly, and contribute to the strategic direction of cases.
* Proactive and commercial approach to resolving disputes and helping clients achieve their business objectives.
* Experience in non‑contentious work (drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts) is advantageous.
* Existing network of contacts or proven track record in developing new business are highly desirable.
Desired skills and attributes
* Strong technical ability and detailed understanding of construction law principles.
* Confidence managing adjudications and litigation from start to finish, with excellent drafting and analytical skills.
* Commercial awareness and ability to advise clients pragmatically.
* Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
* Self‑motivation and initiative, capable of handling matters with independent judgment.
* Leadership potential, with interest in mentoring junior team members.
* Business development mindset – comfortable networking and presenting within the construction sector.
Benefits
* Competitive basic salary.
* Supportive, relaxed and flexible work environment in a growing team.
* 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
* Medicash cash‑back scheme after 1 year’s service.
* Life insurance.
* EAP and other physical and mental wellbeing support services including virtual GP access 24/7.
* Family‑friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay and family events leave.
* Cycle scheme.
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