Overview
A leading UK law firm with a strong national profile is seeking an accomplished Legal Director to join its highly respected Construction Disputes team in London. This is a senior role offering the opportunity to take a strategic position within a growing contentious construction practice, acting for a broad range of clients across the built environment sector.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced construction disputes specialist with strong technical capability, leadership qualities, and a track record of managing high‑value, complex matters.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leading and managing a caseload of complex construction and engineering disputes, including adjudication, arbitration, litigation (TCC), and alternative dispute resolution.
2. Acting for employers, contractors, sub‑contractors, developers, consultants, and insurers across a wide range of contentious construction matters.
3. Advising on disputes involving delays, defects, payment issues, professional negligence, contract interpretation, and termination claims.
4. Providing strategic guidance on risk management and dispute avoidance, including early intervention and project advisory work.
5. Playing a key role in business development, including nurturing existing client relationships and helping to win new mandates.
6. Supporting the development of the junior team through supervision, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
7. Contributing to the practice’s strategic direction and growth, including thought leadership and market visibility.
8. Collaborating with colleagues across the wider Real Estate, Construction (non‑contentious), and Commercial teams on integrated project delivery.
About You
9. Qualified solicitor with significant experience in contentious construction work, ideally at Senior Associate or Legal Director level.
10. Strong technical background in construction disputes, with experience acting in adjudication, arbitration, and TCC litigation.
11. Excellent understanding of standard forms such as JCT, NEC, FIDIC, and bespoke contracts.
12. Confident advocate with strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
13. Demonstrable ability to build and maintain client relationships, ideally with experience engaging with developers, contractors, and consultants.
14. Strong leadership capability, with experience supervising and developing junior lawyers.
15. Commercially minded with a proactive approach to practice development and contributing to team strategy.
What the Firm Offers
16. The opportunity to take a senior leadership role within a growing and ambitious construction disputes practice.
17. High‑quality, complex work for a diverse and established client base.
18. A collaborative and supportive environment with open access to partners and clear progression pathways.
19. Competitive remuneration and benefits package, including flexible working options.
20. A platform to build external profile and develop a specialist market reputation.