Construction Litigation Partner / Senior Associate
The Role
William James Recruitment is instructed by an ambitious, entrepreneurial law firm with a high-growth, highly profitable platform is seeking a Construction Disputes Partner or Senior Associate to join its expanding Contentious Construction practice. The firm operates nationally, with offices in Manchester, Leeds, London, and the surrounding regions.
The firm acts for SME/OMB clients, dynamic startups, large corporates, and HNW/UHNWI. Litigation is a strategic growth area, and the team has recently expanded through the acquisition of a specialist construction boutique, further enhancing its national presence. This hire is pivotal: the successful candidate will play a central role in leading, developing, and shaping the construction disputes practice, with autonomy to influence the team’s direction, build junior and mid-level support, and drive business development in a supported way.
The practice offers top-tier construction dispute work, including contentious matters under all forms of construction contract (JCT, NEC, FIDIC), Technology & Construction Court litigation, adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and cross-border matters. Clients include main contractors, subcontractors, developers, employers, engineering firms, utilities, and infrastructure companies, with many Tier 1 clients delivering high-value, complex projects.
The role can be based in Manchester or Leeds, with flexible working options and a collaborative, family-friendly environment.
The Candidate
* Partner or Senior Associate with strong construction and engineering disputes experience
* Experience handling adjudications, TCC litigation, arbitration, mediation, and contract advisory matters
* Track record advising Tier 1 contractors and other major clients on complex construction projects
* Comfortable developing business and building client relationships to grow the practice
* Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and commercially minded
* No fixed PQE required – focus is on quality, capability, and ability to drive the practice forward
Why This Opportunity
* Join a high-growth, highly profitable national platform recognised for awards and organic growth
* Be part of a specialist construction team with national reach, including recently opened London and Leeds offices
* Autonomy to lead and shape the practice, influence strategy, and build a team beneath you
* Exposure to top-tier construction dispute work, including Building Safety Act litigation, public inquiries, and complex Tier 1 projects
* Clear route to partnership – business origination thresholds are realistic, with immediate progression possible for the right candidate
* Collaborative, flexible, and family-friendly culture supporting work-life balance
Benefits & How to Apply
* Competitive remuneration and performance-linked incentives
* Flexible working arrangements (including remote options)
* Opportunity to build and lead a national disputes practice
* High-quality, interesting work without the bureaucracy or intensity of traditional firms
Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone.
Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)
Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665
Mobile: 0794 405 5476
Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment.com