International Arbitration Associate - Solicitor

International Arbitration Associate - Senior Opportunity

5–7 years’ PQE | London

We are working with an established specialist disputes firm seeking an experienced arbitration associate to join its London International Arbitration team.

This opportunity will appeal to someone who has developed strong technical experience within a leading arbitration practice and wants to take greater responsibility for complex matters, build closer client relationships and contribute to the development of a specialist team.

The firm and its arbitration practice

The firm focuses on high-value commercial disputes, international arbitration and investigations. Its arbitration practice is independently recognised by the leading legal directories and handles both international commercial arbitration and investment treaty disputes.

The team’s experience includes acting for international businesses, investors, states and state-owned entities. Matters frequently involve several jurisdictions, substantial financial claims and difficult questions concerning contractual rights, investments and the conduct of sovereign states.

The partners’ published experience spans sectors including energy, natural resources, infrastructure, financial services and telecommunications. The practice includes proceedings under major institutional and ad hoc arbitration rules, alongside related enforcement and court proceedings.

Partners bring backgrounds in leading international firms. The firm’s published approach emphasises close collaboration between partners and associates, continuity of teams throughout cases and direct client involvement.

The opportunity at this level

The firm is seeking someone with extensive experience in both commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration.

For an experienced associate, this offers a setting in which to apply that breadth of experience across a specialist disputes practice. The firm encourages associates to work alongside partners from the outset of matters and to develop an understanding of the client’s business, objectives and wider commercial position.

Its approach also includes opportunities to work with experts and factual witnesses, attend hearings and contribute to business development. The precise allocation of matters and responsibilities will be discussed during the interview process.

The experience we would like to understand

Beyond the names of the firms and cases on your CV, we would be interested in the contribution you have made. In particular:

• The nature and extent of your experience in commercial and investor-state arbitration, including the parties represented, issues involved and stages of proceedings.
• Your responsibility for substantial drafting, legal analysis and the development of arguments.
• Your involvement in factual evidence, witness preparation, expert evidence and hearing preparation.
• Examples of managing significant aspects of a case, coordinating colleagues or working with lawyers in other jurisdictions.
• Your level of direct client contact and experience explaining complex issues clearly and commercially.
• Any experience supporting junior colleagues or contributing to client development.

These points will help us understand the level at which you currently operate and the responsibilities you would like to develop.

Essential background

• 5–7 years’ post-qualification experience.

• Extensive experience in both investor-state and commercial arbitration.

• Having trained and been retained within a prestigious international arbitration team.

Why consider the move?

The attraction is the combination of substantial international disputes and the opportunity to make a visible contribution within a specialist firm.

The firm supports early involvement in client relationships and business development, and states that progression to partnership is assessed on merit. For someone considering their longer-term career, the interview process offers an opportunity to explore how their experience and ambitions could fit within the practice.

The work is demanding and will suit someone who enjoys intellectual challenge, takes responsibility for their contribution and values close collaboration.