What Makes a Good Construction Claims And Disputes Candidate?
Posted by Nilam Modhwadia, Recruitment Consultant on Saturday, June 7, 2025
The construction claims and disputes sector is one of the most intellectually challenging and rewarding career paths within the industry. Whether working in quantum or delay, claims consultants and expert witness professionals play a critical role in resolving some of the most complex commercial and contractual challenges in construction.
As a recruiter who specialises in this niche, I’ve had the opportunity to work with candidates at all levels—entry-level QS’s, engineers and planners looking to transition, seasoned claims professionals and expert witnesses. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong sense of what makes a good candidate. Here are the key qualities and attributes I believe make a candidate stand out in the construction claims and disputes space:
A Strong Technical Foundation
The best candidates often begin their careers in traditional project delivery roles—Quantity Surveying, Planning, Project Management, or Engineering. This solid understanding of how projects are built (and go wrong) provides essential context when analysing claims or building delay narratives.
Professionals who can reference real-world site experience tend to gain credibility faster with clients and tribunals, particularly if they’ve worked on complex or high-value projects. Candidates who can evidence working with reputable employers on large-scale complex projects are looked upon favourably.
Personality and Professionalism
In the construction claims and disputes sector, where collaboration, high-stakes negotiations, and tight deadlines are the norm, personality counts just as much as technical skill.
In all honesty, when I interview candidates, it’s not just about the qualifications on paper; it’s about how they come across. Personality is often the deciding factor in whether I decide to progress with a candidate.
If someone is being difficult, unprofessional, evasive, or comes across as rude, it’s usually a red flag because my clients aren’t just hiring skills, they’re hiring someone they can trust and enjoy working with. Candidates who are approachable, honest, adaptable, and collaborative tend to thrive in this industry.
My clients often highlight that the most successful consultants aren’t just those with the sharpest analytical minds—but those who bring positive energy, show emotional intelligence, and can be trusted to represent the company professionally in any setting. In short, people enjoy working with them. And in a relationship-driven industry like this, that makes all the difference.
Just being a good person can get you very far in life!
Clear Motivation
For those looking to transition into this niche industry, hiring managers want to see a genuine interest in the field. When I interview candidates, I can differentiate those who have well-researched this industry apart from those who are looking for just any new role.
Candidates who are pursuing, intend to pursue an MSc or LLM in Construction Law, CIArb membership, or have attended SCL events show they’re invested in building a long-term career in claims and disputes.
For those already working within the industry, it’s important to remain motivated and ambitious in pursuing your career aspirations—whatever they may be. Having a clear vision of your goals, along with a realistic plan to achieve them, demonstrates direction and purpose. Whether your ambition is to eventually testify as an expert witness, transition into a different specialism, or continue developing as a lead assistant or trusted number two, what matters most is that your goals align with your strengths and motivations. Choosing not to pursue a front-facing expert role doesn’t equate to a lack of ambition. In fact, the industry thrives on capable, committed professionals who excel in supportive and technical leadership roles. The key is transparency—being honest about your intentions allows your development to be guided effectively and ensures the right opportunities come your way. Transparency and self-awareness go a long way in this business.
Conclusion
Recruiting in this sector isn’t easy. The candidate pool is tight, and many firms are chasing the same talent. But for those who can demonstrate technical strength, curiosity and credibility—there are incredible opportunities for career progression, international mobility, and financial reward.
If you’re considering a move into construction claims and disputes—or looking to take the next step in your career—feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to offer guidance and share insight into what opportunities are currently available.
You can also explore our Quantum and Delay Jobs here.
Nilam is a Recruitment Consultant based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK. She supports the team with researching, headhunting, shortlisting, and interviewing valuable construction industry candidates, to place them in premium construction jobs with our market-leading UK and international clients.