Associate – International Arbitration | London | 3–6 years' PQE

Associate – International Arbitration | London | 3–6 years' PQE

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage in high-value international arbitration cases and collaborate with senior practitioners.
  • Company: Leading international arbitration boutique with a focus on cross-border disputes.
  • Benefits: Opportunity for direct client engagement and professional development in a specialist environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for business development and thought leadership.
  • Why this job: Make an impact on complex international arbitrations and develop your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: 3–6 years' PQE in international arbitration or cross-border disputes, ideally in construction or energy.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

A leading international arbitration boutique is looking to recruit at mid to senior associate level in London. The practice acts for corporates, sovereigns and investors on high-value cross-border disputes, with a particular focus on construction, infrastructure, energy and major projects. The environment is lean and specialist — responsibility is driven by ability, and associates work directly alongside senior practitioners from an early stage.

The work spans all phases of complex international arbitrations, including case strategy, drafting submissions, managing evidence and document production, preparing witness and expert material on delay and quantum issues, and engaging directly with clients, experts, tribunals and opposing counsel. There is also scope to support business development and thought leadership.

Strong candidates will bring:

  • 3–6 years' PQE with current London-based practice at a top-tier City or international firm
  • England & Wales qualification (strongly preferred)
  • Solid grounding in international arbitration or cross-border disputes, ideally in construction, engineering or energy
  • Strong written advocacy and comfort with arbitral procedure and related court applications
  • Excellent academics
  • Additional languages an advantage but not required

This role is open to London-based lawyers only, with elite UK private practice training. To find out more, send your CV and details in confidence to or apply through this website. Only candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted.

Associate – International Arbitration | London | 3–6 years' PQE employer: Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment

Join a prestigious international arbitration boutique in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that champions professional growth and direct collaboration with seasoned experts. With a focus on high-value cross-border disputes, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work from day one, while benefiting from a culture that values innovation and encourages contributions to business development and thought leadership.

Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment

Contact Details:

Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate – International Arbitration | London | 3–6 years' PQE

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the international arbitration field. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current trends in international arbitration. Be ready to discuss recent cases or developments in construction and energy disputes to show you’re on top of your game.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise in arbitration and engage with relevant content. This can help you catch the eye of recruiters looking for candidates like us!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success in high-value disputes.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate – International Arbitration | London | 3–6 years' PQE

International Arbitration
Cross-Border Disputes
Construction Law
Engineering Law
Energy Law
Written Advocacy
Arbitral Procedure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in international arbitration and cross-border disputes. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in construction or energy, to show us you're the right fit for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about international arbitration and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your skills in drafting submissions and managing evidence.

Showcase Your Written Advocacy Skills:Since strong written advocacy is key for this role, consider including examples of your best work. Whether it's a brief or a submission, let us see your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're proactive!

How to prepare for a job interview at Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment

Know Your Arbitration Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international arbitration, especially in construction and energy sectors. Be ready to discuss recent cases or trends in the field, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.

Showcase Your Advocacy Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your written advocacy skills. Bring along examples of submissions or documents you've drafted in previous roles. This will give you a chance to highlight your comfort with arbitral procedures and your ability to manage complex evidence.

Engage with Real Scenarios

Think about potential case strategies or challenges you might face in high-value disputes. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these scenarios during the interview, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

Be Ready for Client Interaction

Since the role involves direct engagement with clients and experts, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play some client interactions with a friend to get comfortable with the dynamics.