Commercial Litigation Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Commercial Litigation Senior Associate to join a rapidly expanding international law firm with a London office. The role offers early responsibility and close collaboration with US and international colleagues.

You will handle high-profile, cross-border disputes and advise clients across finance, technology, media, entertainment, insurance and hospitality. The firm supports growth, culture and ongoing development in London.

Qualifications

• Senior Associate (5+ PQE) from a US, Magic Circle or Silver Circle firm (or equivalent)
• Strong experience in commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, with client relationship management

Responsibilities

• Handle high-value, complex litigation for international clients
• Advise clients across finance, technology, media, entertainment, insurance and hospitality sectors
• Support corporate, restructuring, IP, aviation, employment and regulatory matters where relevant
• Work on cross-border disputes alongside US and international teams
• Contribute to growth, culture and operational development of the London office from Day 1

Skills

PQE 5+

Commercial litigation

International arbitration

Business development

Cross-border disputes

Job description

Commercial Litigation Senior Associate

The Role

William James Recruitment is instructed on an exceptional opportunity with a rapidly expanding international law firm, renowned for its litigation, white-collar defence and corporate advisory capabilities.

The firm is a full-service US law firm that has grown into a national powerhouse, with offices across the United States and a newly launched London office to meet increasing client demand. The London practice combines the depth, sophistication and deal flow of a major US firm with a nimble, boutique-style disputes team.

The team advises on high-profile, complex disputes including cross-border litigation, fraud, corporate investigations and high-stakes commercial matters. This role offers genuine early responsibility, close collaboration with US and international colleagues, and the opportunity to help shape the direction and culture of a growing London office.

Notably, the firm operates on a sensible 1600 chargeable hours target, offering a compelling alternative to the leverage and billing pressures of traditional large-firm environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Handling high-value, complex litigation matters for sophisticated international clients
• Advising clients across finance, technology, media, entertainment, insurance and hospitality sectors
• Supporting corporate, restructuring, intellectual property, aviation, employment and regulatory matters where relevant
• Working on cross-border disputes alongside US and international teams
• Contributing to the growth, culture and operational development of the London office from Day 1

The Candidate

• Senior Associate (5+ PQE) from a US, Magic Circle or Silver Circle firm (or equivalent top-tier platform)
• Strong experience in commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
• Comfortable running complex, cross-border disputes and managing client relationships
• Commercially astute with an interest in business development
• Highly organised, collaborative and adaptable in a dynamic international environment
• Entrepreneurial mindset and motivated to be part of a growing London office

Why This Opportunity

• Premium US-firm platform with an expanding London presence
• Exposure to high-profile international disputes and blue-chip clients
• 1600 chargeable hours target
• Early responsibility and genuine input into office growth and strategy
• Collaborative, inclusive and entrepreneurial culture
• Clear long-term progression opportunities

Benefits & How to Apply

• Competitive US-firm salary and benefits package
• High-quality international work
• Balanced and sustainable workload
• Supportive, high-performance environment

Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)