K
Kennedys is seeking a talented Associate (1–3 PQE) to join its Property, Energy & Construction (PEC) team in Chelmsford. The successful candidate will work on a broad range of contentious construction, property damage, subrogated recovery, and insurance-related disputes for insurer, corporate, and commercial clients.
This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly regarded insurance and disputes practice, supporting partners and senior lawyers on complex, high-value matters while developing responsibility for your own caseload.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a varied caseload of PEC disputes under supervision, including:
- Construction and engineering disputes
- Property damage claims
- Subrogated recoveries
- Coverage-related disputes
- Contractor and consultant negligence matters
- Advising insurer and commercial clients on liability, quantum, policy response, and litigation strategy.
- Drafting statements of case, witness statements, instructions to experts and counsel, and settlement agreements.
- Handling matters through litigation, adjudication, mediation, and other forms of dispute resolution.
- Reviewing contracts, construction documentation, and technical expert evidence.
- Conducting legal and technical research to support client advice.
- Assisting partners and senior associates on large and complex multi-party disputes.
- Maintaining effective client relationships through commercially focused and responsive advice.
- Supporting business development initiatives, including client training, seminars, and networking activities.
- Ensuring compliance with court deadlines, procedural rules, and internal risk management processes.
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills & Experience
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 1–3 years' PQE.
- Experience in construction disputes, insurance litigation, commercial litigation, or property damage matters.
- Strong drafting, analytical, and organisational skills.
- Good understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules and dispute resolution processes.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively to deadlines.
- Commercially minded with strong client-facing capability.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to develop technical expertise.
Desirable Experience
- Experience acting for insurers or within the insurance sector.
- Exposure to adjudication or construction-related dispute resolution.
- Familiarity with professional negligence and recovery actions.
- Experience working with expert evidence in technical disputes.
