Associate - disputes

A&O Shearman; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A&O Shearman invites applications from qualified lawyers to join the Advanced Delivery Legal (ADL) team in Belfast as an Associate. You will lead and coordinate high‑profile, multi‑jurisdictional matters, working with partners to plan, scope and deliver cutting‑edge legal service projects.

The role requires four years of relevant experience with at least two years PQE, strong leadership, and a commercial, client‑focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Must have four years’ relevant experience, including at least two years PQE.
• Experience leading and coordinating complex, multi‑faceted and international matters.
• Proven ability to manage and supervise teams.
• Expertise in international transactional or disputes law, or substantial senior generalist legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise teams of legal professionals on multi‑jurisdictional client matters.
• Work closely with partners and instructing teams to scope, plan and deliver legal service projects.
• Drive high standards of quality, efficiency and service, including reviewing work produced by junior colleagues.
• Manage workflows, report on progress and address queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide legal expertise including drafting, reviewing and amending documents, conducting legal research and supporting document management.
• Maintain and improve templates and precedents, and contribute to innovative service development.
• Participate in business development activities, including pitches, pricing and client discussions.
• Represent and promote ADL within the A&O Shearman network.
• Contribute to the growth and success of the ADL function, including generating workstreams.
• Mentor, train and support junior team members to develop their skills and careers.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Legal research

Client relationship building

Commercial awareness

Adaptability

Organisational skills

Education

Admission as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEx

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate to join the Advanced Delivery Legal (ADL) team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

Advanced delivery legal (ADL) team – Belfast

Our ADL team plays a central role in delivering major elements of complex litigation matters and transactions across our global network. As part of A&O Shearman’s innovative approach to legal service delivery, ADL combines legal expertise with technology‑enabled processes to support high‑profile matters worldwide. The team works collaboratively with offices across the firm, enabling talented individuals to develop, thrive and contribute to impactful global work.

What you will do

• Lead and supervise teams of legal professionals on multi‑jurisdictional client matters.
• Work closely with partners and instructing teams to scope, plan and deliver legal service projects.
• Drive high standards of quality, efficiency and service, including reviewing work produced by junior colleagues.
• Manage workflows, report on progress and address queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide legal expertise including drafting, reviewing and amending documents, conducting legal research and supporting document management.
• Maintain and improve templates and precedents, and contribute to innovative service development.
• Participate in business development activities, including pitches, pricing and client discussions.
• Represent and promote ADL within the A&O Shearman network.
• Contribute to the growth and success of the ADL function, including generating workstreams.
• Mentor, train and support junior team members to develop their skills and careers.

What you will have

• Admission as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEx.
• Typically four years’ relevant experience, including at least two years PQE.
• Strong experience leading and coordinating complex, multi‑faceted and international matters.
• Proven ability to manage and supervise teams.
• Expertise in international transactional or disputes law, or substantial senior generalist legal experience.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, judgement and commercial awareness.
• A flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑evolving environment.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to inspire confidence with colleagues and clients.
• A strong affinity with legal technology and interest in innovation.

What we can offer you

To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careers

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

- A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.