Job Description Contentious Construction Associate Location : Manchester Salary : £60,000 to £85,000 bonus and benefits Experience : 1 years’ PQE Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate into its Manchester team, following continued growth in the volume and value of key mandates. This is a strong opportunity for a disputes-focused construction lawyer who wants early responsibility, high-quality work, and the chance to develop long-term within a supportive, high-performing team. You’ll work across formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies. What You’ll Be Doing Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants) Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements) Getting involved in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediation (including multi-party mediations) Managing your own matters with supervision, and supporting partners and senior lawyers on more complex work Supporting client relationship development and contributing to pitches and business development activity What We’re Looking For Essential Qualified solicitor in England and Wales 1 years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and or arbitration Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, accurate documents that reflect client instructions Strong organisation and document management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines Confident communication style and a professional approach with internal and external stakeholders Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice Desirable Experience of TCC litigation Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes What’s On Offer Salary of £60,000 to £85,000 bonus and benefits High-calibre work across a broad range of construction disputes Early responsibility within a supportive and stretching environment Strong development support, including training, mentoring, coaching and regular check-ins A genuinely inclusive culture with active networks and a focus on belonging Working Arrangements Manchester. Full-time, permanent role. Next Steps Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be handled in strict confidence.