At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Commercial Disputes team and tackle complex legal challenges in life sciences and technology.
- Company: Bristows, a top-ranked law firm with a friendly and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, generous training budget, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of ambition, bravery, curiosity, and friendliness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with innovative clients and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in litigation, strong communication skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly-motivated Senior Associate to join our talented and growing Commercial Disputes team. The right candidate will have a genuine interest in working with clients in our central sectors of life sciences and technology and will be a dedicated disputes lawyer with demonstrable experience of working on disputes in some or all of our key areas above. They should also have hands-on experience of litigation in the High Court and/or arbitration as well as mediation.
Responsibilities
- Top-notch legal skills.
- Able to analyse complex factual and legal situations with a determination to get to the "bottom of things".
- Communicates effectively, with clients and colleagues, both in writing and orally to convey key legal concepts.
- Able to generate solutions and options that make sense in the context of a client's business and commercial goals.
- Experience and confidence in taking responsibility for and proactively managing cases, delegating to and managing a team of junior associates, trainees and/or paralegals where needed.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues and clients to create an enjoyable working environment.
- Committed to taking an active role in business development to further grow the practice.
- Has a desire to 'get involved' and embrace our special culture.
Values & Culture
With around 300 staff and partners in total and one UK location, we are able to maintain a friendly atmosphere where everyone is able to get to know each other and many policies and practices can operate on a trust basis. We are based in modern offices at Blackfriars and very much value face to face collaboration and the social element of working relationships. We have introduced a Remote Working Policy which enables staff to work in an agile way - we do not monitor attendance but simply ask that everyone spends on average across the year more time in the office than out of it. Typically, this means associates will be spending 3 days a week working in the office. Our firm values, which we very much "live", are Ambition, Bravery, Curiosity and Friendliness. These underpin all that we do across both our client work and our internal strategic decision making. We are signatories to the Mindful Business Charter and take our commitment to staff welfare and work life balance very seriously. None of our lawyers have billing targets which means we can focus on doing the best for our clients while also having the time and capacity to assist each other in a genuinely collaborative working culture. We all work hard but no one is competing for hours.
Training & Career Progression
We aim to have a coaching culture with regular informal feedback to supplement the formal appraisal process. Mentoring schemes are available for fee earners while members of the HR team can provide personal coaching and guidance in non-legal and personal management skills. Personal and professional development is much valued at all levels so we have a generous budget which enables us to meet most ad hoc requests for additional training.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
At Bristows we are committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion for all, and we are a proud signatory of the Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter. As a firm, and as individuals, we do all we can to treat people fairly and with mutual respect. This commitment enriches our work and our working lives and has played a key part in our success over the years. We have an active, partner-led Diversity & Inclusion group which runs awareness raising and educational initiatives in addition to ensuring that our policies and procedures remain inclusive.
Charities & Community
Our Charities Committee is equally busy and puts on a range of events from sporting to baking to our Christmas Craft Shop, all in aid of our Charity of the Year.
Wellbeing Programme
Our Wellbeing Programme is championed at partner level and is structured around the pillars of Physical, Mental, Financial and Community wellbeing with an annual programme of events, educational activities and support.
Company Overview
Bristows is a market leading law firm with a global client base across the life sciences and technology sectors. We have maintained our enviable reputation through the strength of our legal expertise and our unique firm culture driven by our core values. We are top-ranked in Legal 500 2026 and Chambers 2026 for IT/telecoms/outsourcing/TMT and Life Sciences. We won TMT Team of the Year at the Chambers UK Awards in November 2025.
Team
Our Commercial Disputes team acts for market-leading clients at the forefront of innovation and change. We specialise in handling their complex commercial and contract disputes, which often involve challenging technical subject matter. We are a friendly, dedicated team with deep sector expertise in life sciences and technology, often working alongside our market-leading IP, advisory and transactional teams to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Salary & Benefits
Our salary and bonus structure reflects our absence of billing targets and collaborative culture and any bonus is paid as a simple percentage bonus across the whole firm. We have a flexible benefits package that is kept under regular review and is designed with the wellbeing of our staff and their families in mind.
Associate employer: Bristows LLP
Bristows is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and friendly work environment in the heart of Blackfriars. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a culture that values ambition, bravery, curiosity, and friendliness, associates can thrive both personally and professionally. The firm’s focus on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, alongside a flexible working policy, makes it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s culture and values. Since Bristows values ambition, bravery, curiosity, and friendliness, think of examples from your experience that showcase these traits. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or casual chats with friends, being able to convey complex legal concepts clearly is key. Remember, they want someone who can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you on board and make some waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the sectors we operate in shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about life sciences and technology, so share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who can connect their background to our needs, especially in areas like litigation and dispute resolution.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication, so keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Bristows!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristows LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around commercial disputes, life sciences, and technology. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, as these will be key areas of interest for the interviewers.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial in this role, practice articulating complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. You might want to prepare a few examples where you've successfully communicated with clients or colleagues to convey important information.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This firm values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in teams. Highlight any experience you have in managing junior associates or delegating tasks, as this will show your ability to lead and support others.
✨Embrace the Culture
Familiarise yourself with the firm's values: Ambition, Bravery, Curiosity, and Friendliness. Think about how you can embody these values in your responses and demonstrate your commitment to contributing positively to the firm's culture.
