Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex international arbitration cases and mentor junior lawyers.
- Company: Reputable London law firm with a strong disputes practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-profile cross-border mandates and develop business acumen.
- Why this job: Take on greater responsibility and make a real impact in international arbitration.
- Qualifications: 7-8 years PQE, English law qualification, and strong contentious practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A well-regarded London law firm known for the breadth and quality of its disputes practice is seeking a managing associate to join its international arbitration team. The firm acts as both counsel and arbitrators across all major arbitral institutions and has built a strong reputation for handling complex cross-border mandates spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
The international arbitration team handles the full spectrum of institutional and ad hoc proceedings — including ICSID, LCIA, ICC, SCC, SIAC, HKIAC and UNCITRAL — across a wide range of sectors including energy, mining, construction, finance, telecommunications, shipping and real estate. The team has particular depth in investor-state arbitration and in arbitration-related High Court proceedings including injunction applications, enforcement of awards and asset recovery. The practice draws on a growing international office network and works with local counsel across multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
This is a genuine step-up position for an experienced international arbitration lawyer ready to take on greater responsibility. You will manage complex matters — or significant workstreams within larger matters — with real autonomy, support partners on business development and help mentor junior members of the team. The firm is looking for someone commercially minded and entrepreneurial: a lawyer who thinks about building a practice as well as running cases.
What you’ll need:
- 7–8 years' PQE with an English law qualification and a proven track record in contentious practice
- Dedicated international arbitration experience from a recognised law firm
- Strong academics and outstanding written and oral communication skills
- Experience managing client relationships and supervising junior lawyers
- Comfort with business development both internally and externally
- Experience of oral advocacy before an international tribunal is an advantage
- A postgraduate qualification in international arbitration or international dispute resolution is an advantage
Next Steps: To apply in confidence please send your CV and a brief note of your interest to or apply via this listing. Only applicants who meet the stated criteria will be contacted.
Managing Associate – International Arbitration | London | 7–8 PQE employer: Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate – International Arbitration | London | 7–8 PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who are already in international arbitration. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your past cases and successes in international arbitration. When you get that interview, use it to demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to firms you admire, like the one in the job description. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate – International Arbitration | London | 7–8 PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in international arbitration. Highlight relevant cases you've worked on and any specific institutions you've dealt with, like ICC or LCIA. We want to see how your background aligns with 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 skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Business Development Skills: Since we're looking for someone commercially minded, don’t forget to mention any experience you have in business development. Whether it's building client relationships or mentoring juniors, let us know how you can help grow our practice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agnew O'Brien Global Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Arbitration Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the various arbitral institutions mentioned in the job description, like ICSID, LCIA, and ICC. Brush up on recent cases and trends in international arbitration to show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing complex matters and mentoring junior lawyers, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leadership. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, and how you can bring that experience to the firm.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Acumen
The firm is looking for someone who is commercially minded. Think about ways you’ve contributed to business development in the past. Be ready to share ideas on how you could help grow the practice and attract new clients.
✨Practice Your Oral Advocacy
If you have experience with oral advocacy before international tribunals, make sure to highlight it. If not, consider doing some mock presentations or joining a local moot court to sharpen your skills. Confidence in your speaking abilities can set you apart from other candidates.