International Arbitration Associate - Junior - Mid-Level

Arnold & Porter; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnold & Porter in London is seeking a junior and/or mid-level associate to join our International Arbitration practice. You will work with partners and colleagues on high-profile investor-State and commercial arbitrations, with a focus on investor-State disputes.

The candidate will contribute to case theory, drafting submissions, preparing for hearings, and supporting advocacy. Fluency in English is essential; Spanish is desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven post-qualification experience in investor-State arbitration at a law firm, in chambers, or at an arbitral institution.
• Strong understanding of substantive and procedural aspects of investor-State arbitration.
• Solid public international law academic background and/or professional experience.
• Strong drafting skills, rigor, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist partners, counsel, and associates in advising and representing clients in investor-State and commercial arbitrations.
• Shape case theory and strategy.
• Draft written submissions and communications; prepare oral arguments and examinations.
• Conduct and supervise legal research; manage document production and witness/expert prep.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support staff; contribute to business development and events.

Skills

Arbitration experience

Legal drafting

Oral advocacy

Spanish language

English fluency

Education

Public international law background

Job description

Arnold & Porter is seeking a junior and/or mid-level associate to join our International Arbitration practice group in London. You will work closely with partners, counsel, and other colleagues across the firm on high-profile, complex international arbitrations, with a strong focus on investor-State disputes. We are looking for candidates with proven post-qualification experience in investor-State arbitration, the ability to assist on all aspects of a proceeding, excellent written and oral advocacy skills, and a commitment to the firm's values, including collegiality, diversity, and pro bono. Fluency in Spanish, in addition to English, is desirable. In return, we offer competitive remuneration, excellent benefits, and a strong platform for professional development.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Arnold & Porter may consider visa sponsorship at its discretion.

Further details on our practice group, the role, the candidate profile, and working conditions are set out below.

Overview of Arnold & Porter’s International Arbitration practice group

Our International Arbitration practice group is one of the largest and most experienced in the world. We are known for our unparalleled track record representing sovereign States in investor-State arbitrations. We represent States, state-owned companies, and private clients in investor-State and commercial arbitrations worldwide, including under the IC… We combine excellence in the practice of law with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Our core values include respect for diversity among our colleagues and a deep commitment to employee well‑being, public service, pro bono work, and the rule of law. We are proud of our inclusive, supportive, and collegial firm culture.

The role

You will be based in our London office, working closely with partners, counsel, and other colleagues across the firm on high-value, complex investor-State and commercial arbitrations. Depending on your seniority, your responsibilities will include:

Assisting partners, counsel, and other associates in advising and representing clients in investor-State arbitrations, other public international law disputes, and commercial arbitrations;

• Helping to shape case theory and strategy;
• Taking a key role in drafting written submissions and procedural communications;
• Taking a key role in preparing oral arguments and direct and cross-examinations at hearings;
• Conducting and supervising legal research;
• Managing document production and review processes;
• Managing the preparation of witness and expert evidence;
• Liaising with witnesses and experts, tribunals, and opposing counsel;
• Mentoring and training junior colleagues and support staff;
• Contributing to the firm’s pro bono goals;
• Contributing to business development, including pitches, public international law events, and publications.

The candidate

Strong Candidates Will Have

• Proven relevant post-qualification experience in investor-State arbitration at a law firm, in chambers, or at an arbitral institution;
• A strong understanding of the substantive and procedural aspects of investor-State arbitration;
• A solid public international law academic background and/or professional experience;
• Strong legal drafting skills, including rigour, accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to structure written work effectively;
• Fluency in English (essential); fluency in Spanish is desirable;
• Strong oral communication and advocacy skills;
• Strong time‑management skills, including the ability to manage your own and others' work across multiple cases simultaneously; and
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a commitment to collegiality and respect for diversity.

Summary Of Work Conditions

Among other conditions, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration;
• Annual bonus based on the firm’s objective criteria and performance targets;
• A wide range of benefits;
• Ongoing training and support;
• Excellent opportunities to develop your advocacy skills by playing a key role in groundbreaking international arbitrations that are shaping international investment law in areas such as human rights and environmental protection;
• A strong platform, with support and encouragement, to build your profile in international arbitration and public international law; and
• A collaborative, collegial, diverse, inclusive, and flexible working environment based on the firm’s values.