Associate – Disputes & Investigations

Allen & Overy; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Belfast seeks a Disputes Associate to manage high-profile cases and collaborate globally. The ideal candidate has over 3 years of commercial litigation experience, strong legal and drafting skills, and excels in client relations. Join a team that supports flexible working arrangements including hybrid models. This role fosters career growth through complex cases and a collaborative culture.

Benefits

Support for flexible working

Hybrid work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have experience in commercial litigation or disputes.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated individual.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Involvement in commercial litigation.
• Drafting and amending documentation and court pleadings.
• Preparing clients for court proceedings and trials.
• Providing legal advice and liaising with clients.

Skills

Commercial litigation experience

Strong legal drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Project management skills

Client relationship skills

Education

Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years’ PQE

Job description

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Associate – Disputes & Investigations, Belfast

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: de5a489144b2

Job Views: 17

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

We have an exciting opportunity for a disputes associate to join our growing Advanced Delivery Legal department, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

A&O Shearman Belfast plays an increasing role in delivering important elements of major litigation cases and transactions, as well as in coordinating teams of lawyers from around the world. It is a key part of A&O Shearman’s advanced delivery of legal services, utilizing technology and complementing traditional law services globally. We foster a collaborative culture where talented individuals can flourish and achieve great things.

Our Disputes practice handles a wide range of corporate and commercial disputes, including competition and antitrust litigation, derivatives and structured finance disputes, insolvency and restructuring litigation, class actions, insurance litigation, securities litigation, and M&A disputes. We are also at the forefront of emerging disputes related to sustainability/ESG, data, cyber-security, fintech, and digitalisation. Our litigators work seamlessly with transactional and advisory teams, providing market expertise and product knowledge to give clients an edge and help pre-empt potential risks.

We seek a highly skilled and experienced commercial disputes lawyer to join our Belfast office. This role offers the opportunity to work on London-based cases and develop your career through exposure to complex, high-profile cases with a global reach, all while based in Belfast.

As a Disputes Associate, you will be part of our London Litigation & Investigations team, working on high-value litigation and investigations. We welcome applications from candidates with three or more years of experience in commercial litigation.

What you will do

• Involvement in commercial litigation
• Drafting and amending documentation and court pleadings
• Preparing clients for court proceedings and trials
• Drafting expert evidence and witness statements
• Providing legal advice
• Liaising with clients and attending meetings
• Managing client expectations
• Business development
• Legal research

What you will have

• Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years’ PQE, preferably from a global or City law firm
• Experience in commercial litigation or disputes
• Strong legal, drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated
• Excellent client relationship and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines
• Focus on business development and personal profile building
• Experience in high-value commercial litigation and investigations is preferred

We support flexible working and embrace hybrid arrangements, allowing remote work up to 40%, with in-office work for the remaining 60% to foster collaboration and growth.

If you need additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability or health condition, please contact our recruitment team for adjustments.

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.

If this role isn't suitable, explore other opportunities on our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and join our Talent Network for updates on future openings.