Associate - Commercial Litigation

JMW Solicitors LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

JMW Solicitors LLP in London is seeking an Associate to join our Commercial Litigation team, handling high-value disputes and providing clear client input.

You will manage a busy caseload, advise on jurisdictional matters, draft pleadings and witness statements, and work closely with partners to develop client relationships.

The role offers hands-on experience across a national practice, with exposure to cross-border matters and opportunities for business development.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 2–5 years’ PQE in a recognised disputes practice or boutique.
• Strong drafting, communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience of managing a busy commercial litigation caseload.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of commercial disputes and support the wider team on complex litigation.
• Maintain client contact and progress matters efficiently.
• Prepare clear, accurate pleadings, witness statements and other documentation.
• Manage time recording, billing and cost recovery effectively.
• Participate in business development and client relationship activities.

Skills

PQE 2-5 years

Civil Procedure Rules

Drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Associate - Commercial Litigation

Department: Commercial Litigation

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Description

Our Commercial Litigation team advises clients on a wide range of high-value, complex disputes. The team handles a varied caseload of corporate and contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, fraud and injunctions.

This is an opportunity to join a growing team, gain excellent client exposure and make a visible contribution to its continued success. You’ll work closely with a Partner, Senior Associate and Solicitor in our London team, combining a close-knit environment with the expertise of our wider national practice in Manchester.

Key Responsibilities

You will manage your own caseload of commercial disputes while supporting the wider team on complex litigation. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining effective day-to-day client contact and progressing matters efficiently
• Preparing clear, accurate and commercially focused correspondence, pleadings, witness statements and other documentation
• Managing time recording, billing and the recovery of costs and disbursements effectively
• Working in accordance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and recognising when a matter should be escalated
• Participating in business development, profile-raising and client relationship activities.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

This role would suit a qualified Solicitor with 2–5 years’ PQE gained within a well-recognised practice or disputes boutique, although we will consider exceptional candidates outside this range. You will also bring:

• Experience of company, commercial and contractual disputes, including County Court and High Court litigation
• Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, relevant legal principles and court procedures"
• Strong technical ability and sound commercial judgement
• Strong drafting, communication and negotiation skills
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a team
• The ability to manage a busy caseload, competing priorities, time recording, billing and cost recovery effectively
• An aptitude for business development, the confidence to build trusted client relationships and a desire to support the team’s continued growth
• A good understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Experience of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, and identifying proportionate settlement opportunities would be advantageous