Associate, Commercial Dispute Resolution (Arbitration Focus)

The role

Our Commercial Dispute Resolution team serves a range of clients including large, international corporations, successful entrepreneurs and other ultra-high net worth individuals, as well as states and parastatal entities. The team's experience covers all forms of commercial dispute resolution including international arbitration, litigation and mediation. We work across a number of sectors from energy and commodities to financial services and deploy a bespoke strategy based on our clients' commercial objectives and budget. 

We have acted on a number of ground-breaking, high-profile cases, which have received significant media attention. Our reputation for handling complex, international disputes is growing as we continue to win exciting, big-ticket work - a credit to the calibre of our lawyers.

Whilst the team is amongst the largest in the firm, it enjoys a close-knit, collegiate feel. Members enjoy an interesting variety of work in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

We have an excellent opportunity for an Associate to join the team working closely with Partners and lawyers at all levels on a variety of interesting matters, with a focus on international arbitration. The successful candidate will be able to work in a stimulating environment and be given a good deal of responsibility and client contact. They will also contribute towards business development and marketing activities, maintaining client relationships and contributing to knowhow internally and externally.

Role responsibility

Typical responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with all stages of the life-cycle of a contentious matter from the review of initial information upon first instruction to the conclusion of a matter, including the preparation of pre-action correspondence, issuing court and arbitral proceedings, preparation of pleadings, witness evidence, expert evidence and disclosure and all other work required on a matter to bring it to trial/ final hearing or to settlement.
• Effectively managing certain workstreams on matters and delegating where appropriate.
• Instructing and liaising with Counsel and other experts where necessary.
• Attending meetings with clients, Counsel and opposing parties.
• Assisting the team in responding to urgent and time critical queries from clients.
• Assisting with tasks relating to costs and fees, including preparing fee estimates for clients, preparing costs schedules during proceedings, and liaising with costs draftsmen and ATE insurers.
• Contributing to sector and focus groups as required.

About you

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Some experience of working on international arbitration matters.
• The ability to think through difficult problems and identify effective solutions in an efficient manner.
• Strong drafting skills, including the ability to convey arguments clearly, succinctly and persuasively.
• Strong legal skills, including proficiency in research and the ability to digest and explain complex legal and factual points.
• Comfort in using initiative and taking responsibility for managing discrete workstreams.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail with the ability to perform in an exacting, deadline-orientated role.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others to provide a quality service to clients and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills: working to tight deadlines where the input of others is often required, managing their workload effectively.
• Flexibility in approach.
• A pragmatic, commercial approach to problem solving.