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- Tasks: Join our team as a Disputes Associate, handling exciting commercial litigation cases.
- Company: A&O Shearman is a leading global law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with up to 40% remote options and great corporate perks.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile cases while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 3+ years in commercial litigation; strong skills required.
- Other info: We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Associate – Disputes & Investigations, Belfast
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: de5a489144b2
Job Views: 17
Posted: 12.08.2025
Expiry Date: 26.09.2025
Job Description:
We have an exciting opportunity for a disputes associate to join our growing Advanced Delivery Legal department, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.
A&O Shearman Belfast plays an increasing role in delivering important elements of major litigation cases and transactions, as well as in coordinating teams of lawyers from around the world. It is a key part of A&O Shearman’s advanced delivery of legal services, utilizing technology and complementing traditional law services globally. We foster a collaborative culture where talented individuals can flourish and achieve great things.
Our Disputes practice handles a wide range of corporate and commercial disputes, including competition and antitrust litigation, derivatives and structured finance disputes, insolvency and restructuring litigation, class actions, insurance litigation, securities litigation, and M&A disputes. We are also at the forefront of emerging disputes related to sustainability/ESG, data, cyber-security, fintech, and digitalisation. Our litigators work seamlessly with transactional and advisory teams, providing market expertise and product knowledge to give clients an edge and help pre-empt potential risks.
We seek a highly skilled and experienced commercial disputes lawyer to join our Belfast office. This role offers the opportunity to work on London-based cases and develop your career through exposure to complex, high-profile cases with a global reach, all while based in Belfast.
As a Disputes Associate, you will be part of our London Litigation & Investigations team, working on high-value litigation and investigations. We welcome applications from candidates with three or more years of experience in commercial litigation.
What you will do
- Involvement in commercial litigation
- Drafting and amending documentation and court pleadings
- Preparing clients for court proceedings and trials
- Drafting expert evidence and witness statements
- Providing legal advice
- Liaising with clients and attending meetings
- Managing client expectations
- Business development
- Legal research
What you will have
- Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years’ PQE, preferably from a global or City law firm
- Experience in commercial litigation or disputes
- Strong legal, drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
- Detail-oriented and self-motivated
- Excellent client relationship and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Focus on business development and personal profile building
- Experience in high-value commercial litigation and investigations is preferred
We support flexible working and embrace hybrid arrangements, allowing remote work up to 40%, with in-office work for the remaining 60% to foster collaboration and growth.
If you need additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability or health condition, please contact our recruitment team for adjustments.
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.
If this role isn\’t suitable, explore other opportunities on our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and join our Talent Network for updates on future openings.
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Associate – Disputes & Investigations employer: Allen & Overy
Contact Detail:
Allen & Overy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate – Disputes & Investigations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in commercial litigation and disputes, especially in areas like ESG and cyber-security. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal field, particularly those who work in disputes and investigations. Attend relevant seminars or webinars, and engage with them on platforms like LinkedIn to build connections that could lead to referrals or insights about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential case studies or scenario-based questions during the interview process. Think about how you would approach complex litigation cases and be ready to discuss your thought process and strategies in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your business development skills by thinking of ways you can contribute to the firm's growth. Be prepared to discuss any past experiences where you've successfully built client relationships or contributed to business initiatives.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate – Disputes & Investigations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial litigation and disputes. Focus on relevant skills such as drafting, negotiation, and project management that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for disputes law and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your qualifications and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles or cases you have worked on that are similar to those mentioned in the job description. This could include high-value litigation or investigations, as well as your ability to manage client expectations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen & Overy
✨Know Your Litigation Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of commercial litigation and the specific types of disputes the firm handles. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or trends in the industry, especially those related to sustainability, data, and cyber-security.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting is a key part of the role, be ready to provide examples of your previous work. Discuss any documentation or pleadings you've drafted and how they contributed to the success of a case.
✨Demonstrate Client Management Experience
Highlight your experience in managing client expectations and relationships. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully liaised with clients and handled their concerns during litigation.
✨Emphasise Your Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with various teams, so be sure to illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal, particularly in high-pressure situations.