At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex construction disputes and develop expertise in a supportive team.
- Company: Established commercial law firm with a strong construction practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, flexible work options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on professional growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Become a specialist in construction law while building meaningful client relationships.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in commercial or civil litigation; strong analytical and drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 61650 - 75350 $ per year.
If you’re a commercial or civil litigator who enjoys complex disputes but would like to develop a genuine specialisation, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Our client is an established commercial law firm with a highly regarded construction practice and a strong, long-term client base across the commercial, industrial, education, health, hospitality, residential and infrastructure sectors. Due to continued growth, the team is looking for an Associate or Senior Associate to join its construction disputes practice.
The Opportunity
- Working closely with an experienced Partner in a small, hands-on construction team, you’ll have the opportunity to develop genuine expertise across the full construction project lifecycle.
- Your work will include:
- Construction and commercial disputes
- Court proceedings and litigation
- Security of Payment matters
- Contractual disputes and risk management
- Advice arising during project delivery
- Post-completion disputes
- Exposure to front-end construction matters as the practice continues to grow
- Direct interaction with clients and opportunities to attend client sites
The firm acts for a diverse range of construction industry participants, including developers, builders, contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, manufacturers, trades and subcontractors. Importantly, you don’t need to already be a construction specialist. This could be an excellent move for a capable commercial or civil litigator who wants to build a long-term career in construction law.
Why Consider This Role?
- Become a genuine specialist: You’ll work alongside experienced construction lawyers who are invested in developing your technical capability, with exposure to interesting disputes and the commercial realities sitting behind them.
- Real client exposure: This isn’t a role where you’ll spend your career several layers removed from the client. You’ll gain exposure to a strong repeat-client base, learn where instructions come from and develop meaningful commercial relationships.
- A firm that takes development seriously: There is a genuine focus on training and broader professional development, including leadership programs featuring speakers from business and other industries. Lawyers are also encouraged to understand their clients’ businesses and the technical issues behind construction projects, not simply the law.
- Career development without a one-size-fits-all pathway: Not everyone wants to become a Partner, and that’s understood here. If your goal is instead to become an exceptional technical lawyer, that pathway will be supported too.
- A grown-up culture: The firm has a hardworking team that takes pride in the quality of its work, while recognising that work isn’t everything. There is a collaborative approach to learning, a good gender mix across levels and a professional but down-to-earth environment.
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine interest in specialising in construction disputes
- Confidence dealing directly with clients and taking increasing ownership of matters
- 3+ years’ PAE
- Commercial litigation, civil litigation and/or construction disputes experience
- Strong drafting, analytical and technical skills
- Exposure to running or assisting with court proceedings
- Security of Payment experience would be advantageous, but isn’t essential
The Package & Environment
- Competitive market salary
- Bonus structure
- Full-time permanent position
- Sydney CBD location, close to Wynyard
- Modern office fit-out
- Flexibility to work from home as needed
- Established administrative and paralegal support
- Strong emphasis on technical training, mentorship and career development
Associate/Senior Associate | Construction Disputes in Sydney employer: Connected People
Prelude Australia is an exceptional employer that prioritises a positive workplace culture and employee wellbeing, making it an ideal environment for a Senior People & Culture Leader. With flexible part-time options and the opportunity to work across various locations including Maitland, Kurri Kurri, and Singleton, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful strategic initiatives. The company fosters professional growth through hands-on delivery and leadership opportunities within the Executive Leadership Team, ensuring that every team member can thrive and make a significant impact.
