Sr. Associate/Principal Associate - Litigation

S&A Law Offices; New Delhi; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Mentorship program

Career progression

Job summary

S&A Law Offices in New Delhi seeks a highly experienced disputes lawyer for its senior practice. The role involves independent handling of complex civil and commercial litigation and arbitrations, with significant client-facing exposure and opportunities for courtroom advocacy.

The candidate should have strong advocacy and drafting skills, with substantial PQE in litigation/arbitration, and be enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi or a State Bar Council.

Qualifications

• LLB/BA LLB or BBA LLB from a recognized Indian university or law school.
• LLM degree or postgraduate specialization in dispute resolution, international arbitration, or commercial law is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Independently handling and managing complex commercial litigation and arbitration before the Delhi High Court, Supreme Court, Commercial Courts, and tribunals.
• Drafting, reviewing, and settling pleadings, applications, notices, opinions, and memoranda.
• Advising clients on dispute strategy, risk assessment, and end-to-end case management including pre-litigation advisory.
• Appearing before courts and coordinating with senior advocates.
• Mentoring junior associates and trainees within the practice group.
• Liaising with clients, opposing counsel, and external stakeholders; conducting legal research and preparing case summaries.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal drafting

Oral communication

Research skills

Client management

Policy knowledge

Education

LLB / BA LLB / BBA LLB

LLM (advantageous)

Tools

SCC Online

Manupatra

Legal databases

Job description

Position Overview

The firm is seeking a highly motivated and experienced lawyers to join its Dispute Resolution practice group in the New Delhi office. This is a senior position within the practice and carries significant responsibility for the independent handling and management of complex civil and commercial litigation and arbitration matters.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the firm's disputes practice, working closely with Partners and Senior Advocates on high-value and strategically significant mandates. The position offers substantial client-facing exposure, opportunities for courtroom advocacy, and the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of a market-leading disputes practice.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum Qualification: LLB / BA LLB (Hons.) / BBA LLB from a recognized Indian university or law school
• Advantageous Qualifications: An LLM degree or a postgraduate specialization in dispute resolution, international arbitration, or commercial law from a reputed Indian or international institution shall be considered an advantage

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) comprising of
  • Either in litigation and/or arbitration at a reputed law firm, chambers, or in-house legal department; or
  • 2 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in litigation and/or arbitration at a reputed law firm, chambers, or in-house legal department and Minimum 5 years of Independent Practice as a Lawyer

• Demonstrated experience in commercial litigation before the High Courts (particularly the Delhi High Court), the Supreme Court of India, and relevant tribunals (including the NCLT/NCLAT, DRT/DRAT, and other statutory tribunals)

• Meaningful exposure to domestic and/or international arbitration proceedings, including under institutional rules such as ICC, SIAC, DIAC, LCIA, or UNCITRAL Rules

• Experience in regulatory proceedings, enforcement and execution of decrees and awards, and interim/injunctive relief applications would be considered advantageous

• Prior experience in white-collar investigations and criminal litigation shall be viewed favorably

Roles and Responsibilities

• Independently handling and managing complex commercial litigation before the Delhi High Court, the Supreme Court of India, Commercial Courts, and relevant statutory tribunals
• Conducting and supporting domestic and international arbitration proceedings, including drafting of statements of claim, statements of defence, witness statements, and written submissions
• Drafting, reviewing, and settling pleadings, applications (including interim and injunctive relief), notices, legal opinions, and advisory memoranda
• Advising clients on dispute strategy, risk assessment, and end-to-end case management, including pre-litigation and pre-arbitration advisory
• Appearing before courts and tribunals for hearings, arguments, and procedural matters, and coordinating with Senior Advocates where briefed
• Supervising, reviewing the work of, and mentoring junior associates and trainees within the practice group
• Liaising with clients, Senior Counsel (including Senior Advocates), opposing counsel, and external stakeholders
• Conducting legal research and preparing case summaries, opinions, and briefing notes for Partners and clients
• Maintaining accurate matter files, managing court deadlines and listings, and meeting the firm's billing, time-recording, and compliance requirements
• Contributing to business development, client relationship management, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the practice group

Key Skills and Pre-Requisites

• Strong advocacy, oral communication, and legal drafting skills, with the ability to present complex arguments clearly and persuasively
• In-depth knowledge of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended), and other applicable procedural and substantive laws
• Familiarity with institutional arbitration rules (ICC, SIAC, DIAC, LCIA, UNCITRAL) and the procedural framework governing enforcement and challenge of arbitral awards in India
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters across forums, priorities effectively, and deliver high-quality work under demanding timelines
• Proficiency in legal research and the use of relevant legal research platforms, including SCC Online, Manupatra, and other databases
• Strong interpersonal and client-management skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Enrolment with the Bar Council of Delhi or any State Bar Council, with a valid Certificate of Practice issued pursuant to the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) or equivalent
• High standards of professional ethics, integrity, and attention to detail

What We Offer

• An opportunity to work on high-profile, complex disputes of national and international significance alongside leading practitioners
• A collegial, merit-driven, and intellectually stimulating work environment
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience and market standards
• Structured mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a clear pathway for career progression
• Exposure to a diverse client base, including leading domestic and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector undertakings