Litigation Associate (Junior)

William James Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Partner mentoring

Career progression

Collaborative environment

Job summary

William James Recruitment is guiding an ambitious Associate with 2–4 PQE to join its London team, focusing on high-value commercial disputes and international arbitration. The role offers exposure to leading partners and global clients with mentorship and significant responsibility at an emerging premium disputes boutique.

Associates work directly with Partners, gaining early responsibility while developing expertise in cross-border litigation.

Qualifications

• 2–4 PQE in disputes from a leading City, national or international practice.
• Strong experience advising on high-value, international commercial disputes.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach with excellent communication.

Skills

PQE 2-4

International disputes

Collaborative

Job description

The Role

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
• Financial Services Disputes
• 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

Benefits & How to Apply

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

Contact: Alice Winter (Retained Consultant)