Location: Leeds
Practice Area: Construction (Contentious)
PQE Level: 7+ PQE (typically 10+ years’ experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Overview
A leading national and international law firm is seeking an experienced Contentious Construction Managing Associate or Legal Director (7+ PQE) to join its high-performing Construction & Engineering team in Leeds. This senior appointment is ideal for a specialist construction litigator looking to work with major clients, lead complex disputes, and play a central role in the growth of a Tier 1-ranked practice.
You will work within a cohesive, busy and well-established team that handles high-value, multi-sector disputes and enjoys a strong pipeline of major mandates.
The Construction & Engineering Team
The wider team includes:
- 100+ specialist construction lawyers
- 25+ Partners
- A full-service contentious and non-contentious offering
The Leeds team alone includes:
- 6 Partners
- 30+ fee earners
- Longstanding top-tier rankings in Chambers and Legal 500
The practice advises across:
- Commercial buildings & development
- Residential & living accommodation
- Civil engineering and process plant
- Energy, infrastructure & utilities
- Public and private sector major projects
You will also work closely with Real Estate, Banking, Corporate and Projects colleagues on disputes and advisory work.
The Role
As a Contentious Construction Managing Associate / Legal Director, you will:
Work on High-Calibre Contentious Matters
Advise developers, funders, landlords, tenants, contractors, subcontractors, PPP project entities and public bodies on:
- Construction and engineering disputes
- Contractual claims arising from JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements
- Delay, defects, payment disputes and professional negligence
- Adjudication, mediation, litigation and dispute avoidance
- Complex multi-party proceedings and high-value claims
Play a Significant Leadership Role
- Be the first-line support for partners on complex mandates
- Lead client relationships and drive client engagement strategies
- Supervise, mentor and develop junior fee earners
- Take ownership of major workstreams and strategic decision-making
Drive Practice Growth
- Support the wider team in Leeds and nationally
- Build networks and contribute to BD initiatives
- Play a central part in the continued expansion of the contentious practice
About You
Essential Experience & Skills
- Qualified lawyer with 7+ PQE (typically 10+ years’ construction law experience)
- Strong track record in contentious construction matters
- Experience advising on disputes under JCT, NEC, and bespoke construction contracts
- Ability to lead complex matters and coordinate across multiple disciplines
- Confident in supervising junior lawyers and contributing to team capability
- Excellent communication and commercial awareness
- Strong academic background (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
Personal Attributes
- Collaborative, supportive and team-oriented
- Strong leadership qualities
- A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
- Ability to build and maintain senior client relationships
- High levels of professionalism and strategic insight
Why This Firm?
The firm is known for:
- A supportive, collegiate and ambitious environment
- Strong commitment to personal development and progression
- High-profile client base including major corporates and public bodies
- A culture focused on collaboration, inclusion and growth
- National and international reach with cross-border opportunities
- Employee networks that celebrate diversity and foster community
- Consistent delivery of high-calibre, technically excellent work
You’ll work with high-character colleagues who value excellence, integrity and innovation — and who will support you to reach your full potential.
Why Apply?
- Senior role with genuine progression to senior leadership
- Join a Tier 1-ranked, top-performing contentious construction team
- High-value and complex disputes across multiple sectors
- Strong client exposure and strategic autonomy
- National and international collaboration opportunities
- Excellent long-term career development structure