Competition, Regulation and Trade (non-contentious / mixed practice), Mid-level Associate

Herbert Smith Freehills; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in London seeks a qualified professional for a permanent contract. The role involves client relationship management, project management, and compliance with legal requirements. Successful candidates should have 2-5 years of experience in UK Competition Practice and display strong interpersonal and legal skills. This full-time position emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workplace culture.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of post-qualified experience in UK Competition Practice.
• Experience in regulatory work and mergers is desirable, but not essential.
• Candidates should have academic excellence with good grades.

Responsibilities

• Plan and delegate work tasks, updating the supervising partner.
• Build client relationships and provide excellent service.
• Support effective relationships across offices and assist with legal documentation.

Skills

Client relationship management

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Business development

Education

2:1 degree or equivalent

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Key responsibilities

• Plan, prioritise and delegate work tasks as appropriate and update supervising partner on progress.
• Build client relationships - provide excellent client service and prompt responses and progress updates to the client.
• Support the firm and others - build effective relationships with individuals and groups in and across offices; uphold the firm’s values; and assist with the preparation of legal precedents, legal articles, marketing documents and presentations.
• Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• We would expect the successful candidate to have had between two and five years of post-qualified experience, preferably gained in a strong UK Competition Practice.
• We will consider candidates from transactional backgrounds (who are keen to gain exposure to some disputes work) or candidates from mixed transactional / disputes practices.
• Regulatory experience and experience of working on mergers both desirable, but not essential.
• Academic excellence is essential for all positions within Herbert Smith Freehills. We would always expect at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) and solicitors' examinations to have been passed first time. All applications should include full academic details including grades, subjects and transcripts where appropriate.
• Candidates will need to be bright self-starters looking for a challenge. All candidates will be expected to display excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with individuals at all levels.
• Strong legal skills, including complex drafting, negotiation and project management skills; good people management and business development skills.
• Full understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to manage costs and budgets.

Competencies

• Personal Leadership
• Builds Authentic Relationships
• Collaborates with others
• Enhances the Client Experience
• Achieves Results
• Team
• Competition, Regulation & Trade

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.