Job Description

Our construction practice is growing. We already have a sizable and impressive national construction practice which operates across major projects and disputes for UK wide clients. We are regularly instructed on national projects for central government departments, household name retailers, manufacturers, energy providers, tier 1 contractors and developers, universities and utility providers. Uniquely we also have an excellent regional reputation with an unparalleled local client base in the North, working to support some of the region's critically important infrastructure projects.



The disputes we advise on arise out of a broad range of construction and engineering projects, including defending and bringing claims for delay, disruption, loss and expense, defective workmanship materials and design to the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) and advising clients in relation to landmark cases in relation to adjudications, arbitrations, all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution and insurance related issues.



As we build for future success, we are looking to expand our construction disputes practice at Partner level in the North. This could be to lead a newly expanding team in our Leeds office, or to join a more established team in Newcastle or Edinburgh. All locations offer an opportunity to develop professionally and personally, play an important role in growing our business, and to support the management and development of our team. We are proud of the comprehensive service we offer to the construction, real estate , chemicals and energy sectors in particular - this gives unique opportunities to work with other exceptional colleagues, both in the UK, the US and internationally via our Lex Mundi relationships to develop your skills and experience as well as offer exceptional coverage to our clients.

What you will need to be successful in this role:





We're looking for an individual with a strong track record in construction disputes work, who can lead on all contentious aspects of major construction and infrastructure projects. Ideally this would include disputes at the TCC, ADR, adjudication and arbitration .



It goes without saying that you will bring a reputation for technical excellence, exceptional client management skills, and a business growth mindset. Our construction, real estate and energy teams will provide you with a great platform from which to grow your practice, and you'll enjoy plenty of support to help you market and grow your team. You could be an experienced lawyer looking for the first step into Partnership, or be an existing salaried Partner looking for a move to a different platform. Either way you will recognise the opportunity to develop your successful career in our ambitious and supportive Partnership.



To be successful in this role, you'll need as a minimum:


An enterprising mindset and self-motivation to be successful. A proven track record in advising clients on advising on a broad range of construction disputes regionally and nationally. An ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, often across locations and jurisdictions, to provide exceptional client service. The ability to identify opportunities for business growth through your reputation, technical experience and relationships. A commitment to developing and nurturing the talent of junior lawyers. An understanding of how the provision of legal services should be delivered at a top 20 law firm, including revenue prioritisation, a commercial mindset and effective and efficient matter management. To be an admitted lawyer in the UK or similar jurisdiction. If you are keen to be considered for our Edinburgh office you must be dual qualified in both Scotland and England and Wales.

What make it great to work here ? A point of view like no other



We see things differently and our approach reflects that in all areas of our business. We are a team of over 1300 lawyers and technical specialists that continue to deliver trail blazing work for our exceptional clients. We're investing in technology, setting legal precedents and challenging perceptions.



But in addition to that we are proud to have created a unique open and person centric culture that we think sets us apart from other firms. Our award winning Responsible Business and ESG agenda, our embedded DE&I initiatives led by our Board sponsored DE&I group and our support of the Mindful Business Charter all support our endeavours to ensure that our people are able to maintain healthy and happy lives, both in and out of work.



We have a number of resources and initiatives designed to support health and wellbeing and we're very happy to talk flexible working, full-time or part-time working patterns. Find out more about ED&I at WBD here.

What's next?



We appreciate that you might want to find out more about this opportunity in a confidential way. If you would like to have an initial exploratory conversation about our construction and engineering disputes practice and our ambitions for its growth please reach out confidentially to our Recruitment Business Partner Sarah Rogers in the first instance.



If you decide to continue to be formally considered we will ensure that you have plenty of opportunity to meet key members of our team, including Business Group and Sector Leads, as well as peers across departments and specialisms.



You can learn more about our approach to Partner recruitment, and your career in our Partnership here: Partner Recruitment | Careers | Womble Bond Dickinson



We encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.



We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long term condition and need us to make any adjustments to give you the best possible recruitment process, please let us know by contacting the recruiter on the right hand side of this page. Please also let us know if you need this job advert or the application form in a different format.



We will offer an interview to candidates with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria for this role. You can opt into this scheme within the application form. Your response to this question is only used for this purpose, is only visible to the recruitment team and is not used for data monitoring.

Strictly no recruitment agency applications

please.