Associate - Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, London
The Opportunity
William James Recruitment is instructed on an exclusive search for an Associate (3–5 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.
Culture & Working Environment
- 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
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- High-quality, intellectually challenging work
- Excellent long-term development prospects
- Supportive and stable platform for career progression
How to Apply
All applications and enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.
An initial conversation can be arranged without the need for a CV.
Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)
Direct Dial: 0203 918 1665
Mobile: 07944 055 476
Email: alice.winter@williamjamesrecruitment.com