NQ - Disputes Resolution

Shakespeare Martineau; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working

Hybrid working

London hub

Job summary

Shakespeare Martineau, based in The Shard, London, is seeking a NQ-1 PQE Solicitor to join its Dispute Resolution team. You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers on high-quality disputes matters and develop your own caseload from the outset of your career.

You will handle a range of commercial disputes, including cross-border matters, while developing client relationships and contributing to firm growth in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, or up to 1 year PQE, with a strong academic record.
• Experience in litigation or dispute resolution, including at least one seat or post-qualification practice.
• Interest in international/cross-border work and the ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support on complex commercial disputes, including cross-border matters.
• Assist on high-value litigation and arbitration with supervision.
• Manage a caseload of straightforward matters as you develop.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to manage enquiries.
• Meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment and contribute to business development.
• Collaborate with partners and senior lawyers across the team.

Skills

Client-focused

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Law degree

Job description

Our London Dispute Resolution team has established itself as a formidable force in the market, distinguished by its rare combination of international disputes capability, sector-led expertise and a fast-growing practice spanning commercial litigation and arbitration, public law and group actions. Based in The Shard, the team operates at the intersection of disciplines often treated separately, delivering integrated, cross-practice solutions to complex, high-stakes disputes.

The team handles a diverse and sophisticated portfolio of work, ranging from high-value commercial disputes and complex cross-border litigation to high‑profile judicial review proceedings and coordinated group actions. We act for a high‑calibre and diverse client base, including sovereign states, global banks, financial institutions, energy companies, multinational corporates, family offices, ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and trade unions. The team is regularly instructed against larger international and premium law firms, demonstrating both the quality and sophistication of its work. We now have an exciting opportunity for a NQ-1 PQE Solicitor to join and be an integral part of this high‑performing team. This role offers the chance to work closely with experienced lawyers on high‑quality matters, while developing your own caseload and building strong client relationships from the outset of your career.

What you will be doing:

• Working alongside experienced partners and senior lawyers to support a wide range of complex commercial disputes, including cross‑border and multi‑jurisdictional matters
• Assisting on high‑value and high‑profile litigation and arbitration matters, with appropriate supervision
• Managing your own caseload of more straightforward matters as you develop
• Handling client and internal enquiries efficiently and professionally
• Liaising directly with clients and other stakeholders
• Working effectively to meet strict deadlines in a fast‑paced environment, including on urgent injunctive relief and time‑sensitive matters
• Involvement with business development opportunities
• Supporting international practice on cross‑border disputes

What you will need:

• A qualified (or soon to be qualified) Solicitor, or up to 1 year PQE, with a strong academic background
• Experience of working in a litigation or dispute resolution‑focused role – at least 1 seat in a training contract, or post‑qualification experience
• Genuine desire to specialise and develop expertise in commercial disputes, with an interest in international and cross‑border work
• High levels of initiative and the ability to thrive in a demanding environment
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skill
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a busy team
• A strong client‑focused mindset, with a commitment to building lasting relationships

Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.

We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.

We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.

Want to find out more about our amazing benefits?

Additional information:

Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.

Equal opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

About Shakespeare Martineau

Shakespeare Martineau is part of Ampa Group, a leading house of brands in legal and professional services. Ampa Group brings together complementary firms - including Lime Solicitors, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Marrons and others - connected by shared values and a modern, people‑first culture.

As a group, we’re focused on unlocking potential. We believe in the power of &: corporate & human, purposeful & profitable, ambitious & inclusive. Ampa Group provides the shared infrastructure, development programmes, culture, values and empowered working framework that enable our brands, and our people, to thrive.