Senior Associate, Construction Law

Sydney, NSW

Permanent, Full Time

Are you a construction lawyer looking for greater variety across both front-end and back-end matters within a growing specialist practice? This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer with 5-10 years PQE to work closely with an experienced Principal, advising on major construction, infrastructure and engineering projects throughout the project lifecycle.

You'll be involved in everything from contract drafting, negotiation and procurement through to claims management, dispute resolution and litigation support. The role offers significant client exposure, autonomy and the opportunity to build trusted relationships with contractors, developers, project owners and project teams while delivering practical, commercially focused legal advice.

About our client

Our client is a growing specialist construction law practice that advises on major construction, infrastructure and engineering projects. Working closely with contractors, developers, project owners and consultants, the firm provides commercially focused advice across contract drafting and negotiation, project delivery, claims management, dispute resolution and litigation support.

Known for its practical, client-focused approach, the practice partners closely with clients to deliver tailored legal solutions, manage risk and support successful project outcomes. The firm offers a collaborative environment, high levels of client engagement and the opportunity to work on complex and rewarding matters across the full project lifecycle.

About the Opportunity

Working directly with the Principal, you will play a key role in supporting an expanding construction practice and growing client base. You'll advise a broad range of clients across the construction and infrastructure sectors, helping them navigate contractual, commercial and project delivery issues while supporting successful project outcomes.

This role offers genuine exposure to both front-end and back-end construction law, including construction claims, disputes and insurance-related matters, making it an ideal opportunity for a lawyer seeking a well-rounded construction practice.

Key Responsibilities

Front-End Construction

• Draft, review and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts and project agreements.
• Review contractual amendments and identify key commercial and legal risks.
• Prepare and review tender documentation and support procurement processes.
• Advise on risk allocation, project delivery models, contract administration and contractual entitlements.
• Provide practical legal guidance to project and delivery teams.

Claims, Disputes & Insurance

• Prepare and manage construction claims, contractual notices and project correspondence.
• Advise on dispute avoidance and early resolution strategies.
• Support mediation, expert determination, arbitration and litigation processes.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, submissions and briefs.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits and other litigation-related documents.
• Advise clients on strategies to achieve commercial outcomes before formal proceedings where possible.

Client & Practice Development

• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Work closely with project directors, commercial managers, engineers and technical experts.
• Deliver responsive, commercially focused legal advice.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, precedent development and process improvement initiatives.
• Support the continued growth and development of the practice.

About You

You will ideally have:

• 5-10 years' PQE in construction law.
• Strong experience in construction contract drafting, review and negotiation.
• Exposure to construction claims, disputes and dispute resolution processes.
• Experience advising contractors, subcontractors, developers, project owners or government entities.
• Excellent drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and practical problem-solving capability.
• The ability to manage matters autonomously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• A proactive, accountable and solutions-focused approach.

Highly regarded:

• Strong front-end construction experience with an interest in expanding into disputes and claims.
• Experience or an interest in construction-related insurance matters.
• Experience gained within a specialist construction, boutique, national or in-house environment.
• A genuine desire to grow long-term within a developing and entrepreneurial practice.

What's on Offer

• Broad exposure across both front-end and back-end construction law.
• Direct mentoring and support from an experienced Principal.
• Work on significant construction, infrastructure and engineering projects.
• High levels of autonomy, responsibility and client engagement.
• The opportunity to become an integral part of a growing specialist practice.
• Long-term career development and progression opportunities.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume via the Apply Now button. Cover letters are welcome but not required.

For further information, please contact Chloe Baker at [email protected].

No Agencies.