Contentious Constrcution Lawyer – Associate, 3PQE+, Dubai

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The purpose of this role is to support Addleshaw Goddard's Middle East Construction practice by delivering high-quality legal advice on contentious construction matters to our clients across the region. You will play a vital role in providing exceptional client service, upholding AG's reputation for excellence, and contributing to the ongoing growth and success of the firm's construction disputes practice in the Middle East.

THE TEAM

The Real Estate Division is one of Addleshaw Goddard's largest and most significant practice areas. Within this division, our Construction and Engineering Team plays a central role and reflects the firm's deep commitment to the sector. Our team is actively engaged with all facets of the GCC construction industry, providing comprehensive legal support to a diverse client base.

With a proven track record in resolving a wide range of construction disputes, our GCC team advises on every stage of the project lifecycle, from contract negotiation and project delivery to dispute resolution, including arbitration, litigation, and all forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). We have extensive experience advising clients on major projects across the energy and utilities, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and real estate sectors throughout the GCC.

Our construction practice continues to attract exciting new instructions from both longstanding and new clients, and we are focused on further strengthening our market-leading offering. The team advises sponsors, funders, developers, employers, contractors, sub-contractors, and professional teams on project procurement strategies (including facilities management) and on dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms across the Middle East.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE

• As a Construction Associate at AG focusing on contentious work, you will be working alongside experienced partners and engaging directly with clients on high-value, complex disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East.
• You will be responsible for managing litigation and arbitration proceedings, which includes preparing case strategies, drafting pleadings and submissions, attending hearings, and liaising with experts and witnesses.
• Your role will also involve drafting and reviewing a wide range of legal documents, conducting detailed legal research on construction law issues, and staying abreast of developments in both local and international construction law.
• You will be part of a team that delivers a comprehensive suite of specialist construction and infrastructure dispute services, with a particular focus on major projects for both public and private sector clients. The work spans a broad spectrum of markets and sectors, including Real Estate, Energy and Utilities, Industrials, Retail and Consumer, Transport, and Healthcare, as well as our market-leading Managing Risk service.
• At AG, you can expect early responsibility and the opportunity to take ownership of matters, supported by a high-performing, cohesive, and busy team. The environment is both challenging and supportive, designed to stretch your abilities while fostering professional growth.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• At least 3 years' post-qualification experience in construction law, ideally gained at a leading or mid-tier firm, with a focus on contentious matters.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters efficiently, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of client service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent drafting skills, with confidence in preparing legally effective documents tailored to client needs.
• Committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and contributing to the team's success.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and resilient under pressure, with a genuine interest in understanding clients' objectives to deliver impactful advice.

Our FIRM

Addleshaw Goddard is a place where you are valued, encouraged, and challenged to fulfil your potential in a supportive and collegiate environment.  Our culture of improvement, growth and collaboration delivers results, drives innovation, and rewards ambition.

We not only provide technical excellence and experience but, crucially, demonstrate real insight into our clients and what really matters to them and as such we are natural choice for FTSE100 clients and their equivalents in other markets.

Our success has been built by people from the widest range of backgrounds, locations, and perspectives. We have a number of employee networks that provide space to discuss the differences that make us who we are and celebrate this at AG.

OUR APPROACH: IMAGINE THE BEST YOU CAN BE

Everything we've accomplished can be traced back to our people and the way we work. Our reputation is something we are proud of, and constantly invest in. 

Here, you'll do high calibre work, with high-character colleagues who care for one another and our clients.

Are you up for the challenge?