Overview
Associate – Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, London
The Opportunity
William James Recruitment is instructed on an exclusive search for an Associate (3–7 years’ PQE) to join the London office of a highly regarded international disputes practice.
This role offers exposure to high-value, complex commercial litigation with a strong international and cross-border dimension, acting for financial institutions, corporates, funds, trustees and high-net-worth individuals. The practice regularly handles matters involving multiple jurisdictions and overseas assets, but the work is London-led and City-facing.
The position would suit a disputes lawyer looking to step away from rigid City structures while maintaining the quality, complexity and profile of work.
The Firm
Our client is a long-established international law and professional services firm advising global corporates, financial institutions, investment funds and private clients. The London office operates as a key disputes hub, frequently instructed by major UK and international firms and institutions on complex, high-stakes litigation.
The Team
The London disputes group is a lean, senior team comprising Partners, Senior Counsel, a Senior Associate and dedicated support. Partners are former City and international firm lawyers with deep experience in complex litigation.
The team advises on:
- Commercial and corporate disputes
- Contentious insolvency and restructuring matters
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Trust and private client litigation
- Banking and financial services disputes
- Asset recovery, enforcement and fraud-related claims
- Arbitration, mediation and strategic settlement
Work is often multi-jurisdictional, but the emphasis is on strategic dispute management and commercial outcomes, rather than technical jurisdictional silos.
The Role
The successful Associate will:
- Work closely with Partners on complex, high-value disputes
- Take responsibility for managing workstreams on major matters
- Draft pleadings, applications and advisory memoranda
- Be involved in strategic decisions around litigation, settlement and enforcement
- Liaise directly with clients and overseas counsel
- Support business development and practice growth initiatives
The Candidate
- Qualified solicitor with 3–7 years’ PQE
- Strong background in commercial litigation, with exposure to complex disputes
- Experience from a City, international or well-regarded disputes boutique
- Technically confident, commercially minded and pragmatic
- Comfortable working on multi-party and cross-border matters
- Collaborative, motivated and keen to take ownership
International or insolvency-related experience is welcome but not a prerequisite.
- Partner-led and genuinely collaborative
- High trust, low hierarchy
- Strong mentoring and support from senior lawyers
- Exposure to significant disputes early in your career
- Flexible working approach with a mature, professional culture
- High-quality, intellectually challenging work
- Supportive and stable platform for career progression
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