Why did I choose contentious construction?
This time last year, I made the decision to apply for a newly qualified position at Brodies in the contentious construction team. A decision I have not regretted. My traineeship which largely focused on other seats was excellent in many respects and involved a high volume of litigation. I decided I wanted to try and move into a specialist field, but I wasn't dead set on a particular pathway. My general aim was to find a role that promoted and ultimately required technical and commercial development in a field I considered interesting.
With this in mind, I knew that contentious construction was a potential option for me but didn't have an in-depth understanding of what this role might be like. My research indicated that contentious construction lawyers tended to deal with highly complex, multi-faceted commercial contract cases and that alternative dispute resolution forums such as adjudication, arbitration and mediation were regularly used. That has been my experience to date.
Contentious construction is also constantly evolving. New precedents are set on a regular basis and real world challenges such as Brexit, COVID and energy prices can skew the probability and types of disputes arising on any given project.
Once I started to learn more about this area of the law, I knew that it was the one for me.
Why Brodies?
Once I knew contentious construction was for me, I had to decide where I wanted to apply. Brodies was a stand-out firm from the out-set being top ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. My inclination was that this would mean there would be an exceptional level of training from senior colleagues and a regular supply of varied high-quality work.
I also found an insight into the team via a YouTube "Breakfast with Brodies - An introduction to Contentious Construction". As the title suggests this is an introductory video that provides background of the law, contemporary issues and working in the team. I found this to be an insightful and useful resource that sealed the deal in terms of making an application to Brodies, and it had an added benefit because it helped me formulate my cover letter.
Brodies offers more than first class training and work. A newly qualified solicitor joining the team will benefit from a direct mentor and friendly colleagues. You can develop your transferable skills by showing a willingness to learn from those around you.
If you are interested in applying for an NQ role in contentious construction and would like some more information, send me a message on LinkedIn.
Our NQ vacancies are now open. Apply here!
