Construction Associate

Construction Solicitor (Associate) - Cardiff (Hybrid)

A leading UK law firm with a strong national presence is seeking a Construction Associate to join its growing Construction practice in Cardiff. The firm is well known for delivering high-quality, commercially focused legal advice and operates across a broad client base including developers, contractors, funders, public sector bodies, and major corporates.

This is a genuinely balanced construction role, offering exposure across both contentious and non-contentious work, with the opportunity to be involved in high-value, complex matters from early in your career. The team is highly regarded for its breadth of expertise across the full lifecycle of construction projects, from procurement and contract structuring through to dispute resolution and litigation.

The work is varied and technically challenging, covering drafting and negotiating JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts, consultant appointments, collateral warranties, bonds and guarantees, alongside advising on procurement strategy, risk allocation and project delivery issues.

On the contentious side, the role includes involvement in adjudication, arbitration, mediation, expert determination and Technology and Construction Court proceedings, dealing with disputes around defects, delay, extensions of time, payment issues and professional negligence. There is also a strong emphasis on dispute avoidance and early resolution strategy.

This is a client-facing role with exposure to a wide range of stakeholders including developers, contractors, consultants, funders and public sector organisations. You will be trusted to build relationships, provide pragmatic commercial advice and contribute to ongoing client development activity, including networking, pitches and wider business development initiatives.

The structure of the team is notably hands-on, with real opportunity for Associates to take ownership of matters, work closely with senior lawyers and Partners, and develop early responsibility across both advisory and disputes work. There is also scope to supervise junior team members and contribute to internal knowledge sharing and development.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years' PQE with strong construction experience, ideally with exposure to both contentious and non-contentious work, or a clear interest in developing a dual-practice specialism. A solid technical grounding in standard form contracts (JCT, NEC, FIDIC) is essential, along with the ability to deliver clear, commercially focused advice.

Strong communication and client relationship skills are key, alongside a proactive, solutions-driven approach and the confidence to work independently when required. This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, and working across the full spectrum of construction matters rather than being confined to a single stream.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and growing construction practice within a high-quality national firm, offering strong work, early responsibility, and a clear platform for long-term career development.