Construction Partner – Contentious Construction
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Exciting opportunity for a Construction Partner to join a highly regarded commercial law firm in the North East.
The Role
 * You will lead and build the contentious side of the Construction & Engineering team
 * You will have the autonomy to grow the specialist contentious team as you see fit.
 * The role offers freedom: you’re not expected to bring a full book from day one, but you’ll have a network to grow the practice over an bedding in period.
 * You’ll handle existing steady incoming contentious construction matters (developers, contractors, housebuilders, some public-sector work) and will be encouraged to shape the future strategy
 * The firm has a relaxed but ambitious culture: not obsessed with endless hours, you won’t find “stuck at your desk at 10pm” as the norm.
 * Pathway: starting as salaried Partner with bonus/profit?share scheme.
 * Location: Newcastle base with strong North East foothold; the firm is committed to regional growth, not a redundant outpost.
Ideal Candidate
 * Proven experience in contentious construction / engineering disputes (adjudications, contractor/developer claims, large value matters).
 * Comfortable leading or building a team, able to supervise juniors and set direction.
 * Ambitious but pragmatic: you’ll have autonomy and support to grow the practice rather than being forced into unrealistic targets immediately.
 * Excellent client skills, some network in the construction/disputes market, but you’ll be given timeto establish your books.
Why This Role Is Attractive
 * Genuine opportunity to build a contentious construction team from an excellent foundation — you’ll create the strategy rather than join something already rigid.
 * Clear career trajectory:with the construction team identified as a key growth area for the firm.
 * Strong benefits and culture:
 * 27 days’ holiday plus additional long-service days, with option to buy/sell up to 5 days.
 * Up to 2 wellbeing days per year.
 * Paid community/volunteering hours (~14 hours/year) and strong ESG/community commitment
 * Flexible and hybrid working models; supportive of work-life balance and quality of life.
 * Parking or travel-pass support, bonus and profit-share scheme for partners.
 * Location: based in Newcastle with regional influence and growth ambition.
Next Steps
Do you want to take the lead in shaping a contentious construction practice, with freedom, support and genuine potential to make a mark? Drop Beth Livings at QED Legala message for a confidential chat about this role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr