At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling competition law and regulatory challenges across Europe.
- Company: One of Europe's largest Antitrust, Competition & Trade teams with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and comprehensive training to enhance your career.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in high-profile cases and build strong client relationships from day one.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in UK and EU competition law; strong communication and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Role
An excellent opportunity to join one of the largest Antitrust, Competition & Trade teams in Europe. You can be based in London, Edinburgh or Glasgow. The team handles a broad range of high‑quality work including competition investigations, behavioural advice, merger control, competition litigation and a wide range of regulatory and trade work, including export control/sanctions. The team also advises extensively on public procurement matters, subsidy control / State aid and consumer enforcement issues.
The UK team comprises 7 partners and a team of 15 other fee‑earners, plus a dedicated Professional Support Lawyer. The team is based largely in London, but also in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Brussels. It is part of a wider Antitrust, Competition & Trade Group across CMS comprising more than 225 competition lawyers worldwide.
The role provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further their career in a dynamic and internationally focused competition team, with a balanced practice across transactional, contentious and advisory work. Associates are encouraged to take on high levels of responsibility and client contact is encouraged. From day one your role will include being embedded in client relationships and involved in business development activities within the team and across the firm’s sector groups.
The team undertakes a significant volume of cross‑border work, cooperating on a daily basis with our international offices and the role will include travel. We are committed to investing in our team and we provide comprehensive training to develop knowledge and skills.
About You
- 2–4 years of PQE
- A solid background and experience/training in UK and EU competition law, and ideally FDI
- A willingness to learn one or more of public procurement, state aid/subsidy, consumer and/or trade law
- A general desire for a balanced practice across transactional, contentious and advisory work
- Excellent communication and drafting skills – the ability to communicate succinctly is a must
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to provide clients with focused strategic advice
- Good commercial awareness and curiosity about market developments
- A collaborative and supportive approach, with the ability to build strong relationships
- A positive, service‑delivery mindset
Benefits
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Holiday exchange scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.
Competition Associate employer: CMS UK
Join a leading Antitrust, Competition & Trade team in Europe, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment across London, Edinburgh, or Glasgow. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training, a flexible hybrid working policy, and a generous bonus scheme, ensuring that you have the tools and support needed for meaningful career growth. Our collaborative culture encourages high levels of responsibility and client engagement from day one, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding and impactful role.
