Litigation Associate (Junior)

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

William James Recruitment is advising a fast-growing premium disputes boutique to appoint an Associate (2–4 PQE) to its London team. The firm handles high-value commercial litigation and international arbitration, led by partners from top firms.

Associates work directly with Partners, gaining early responsibility and close mentoring. The successful candidate will have strong academic credentials, superb written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage complex disputes under tight

Qualifications

• Strong academic background.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex disputes under pressure and tight deadlines.
• 2–4 PQE from a leading disputes practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist Partners on high-value international disputes.
• Draft memoranda, pleadings, and court/arbiter submissions.
• Coordinate with cross-border teams and clients to advance matters.

Skills

Commercial litigation

International disputes

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Deadline-driven

Job description

William James Recruitment is instructed on behalf of a fast-growing, premium disputes boutique seeking to appoint an ambitious Associate (circa 2–4 PQE) to join its London team.

The firm has quickly established an excellent reputation for handling high-value, complex commercial litigation and arbitration. The practice is led by highly regarded disputes lawyers with backgrounds at leading international firms and extensive experience in international disputes.

The Managing Partner brings over 30 years’ experience in cross-border litigation and arbitration, having founded the practice with a clear vision to create a specialist disputes platform focused on high-stakes, claimant-side work. The wider partnership comprises lawyers who trained and practised at Magic Circle and elite US firms, reinforcing the firm’s strong technical pedigree and market credibility.

The firm focuses on some of the world’s largest litigations and arbitrations, supporting a diverse international client base from its London office. Core practice areas include:

• Commercial Litigation
• Competition Litigation
• International Arbitration
• White Collar Crime and Investigations

Associates work directly with Partners, gaining early responsibility and broader exposure than is typical within larger firms, while benefiting from close mentoring and support from highly experienced practitioners.

The Candidate

• 2–4 PQE from a leading City, national or international disputes practice
• Strong experience advising on high-value, international commercial disputes
• Proven ability to manage and proactively drive matters forward with appropriate supervision
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Highly organised and able to perform under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Strong academic background

Why This Opportunity

• Join a fast-growing, specialist disputes boutique with a strong international focus
• Work directly with highly experienced Partners from leading global firms
• Exposure to innovative, high-profile and market-leading litigation
• Greater autonomy and responsibility than in a larger firm
• Genuinely entrepreneurial culture with no internal silos
• Clear opportunity to contribute to – and grow with – the business

• Competitive remuneration package
• High level of Partner access and mentoring
• Opportunity for meaningful career progression within a growing platform
• Collaborative and supportive team environment