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.