Job Description

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 time to 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 Legal a message for a confidential chat about this role.

Skills Required