At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling high-profile international arbitration cases and take ownership of significant matters.
- Company: A leading specialist disputes practice in London, focused on complex international disputes.
- Benefits: Gain autonomy, direct client exposure, and fast-track your career in arbitration.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a busy practice while developing as a recognised arbitration practitioner.
- Qualifications: 3-7 PQE with strong international arbitration experience and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading specialist disputes practice is seeking an International Arbitration Associate (3–7 PQE) to join its growing London team. The team is looking to speak with ambitious associates and senior associates who can step into a busy practice, contribute from day one, and take ownership of substantial aspects of matters rather than operating solely in a support capacity.
About the Firm
The firm is one of London's most established specialist disputes practices, recognised for handling complex, high-profile and often international disputes. Unlike many full-service firms, disputes sit at the heart of the business, creating an environment where contentious work receives significant investment and strategic focus. The practice acts for a diverse client base including:
- Multinational corporations
- Investors and investment vehicles
- High-net-worth individuals
- Family offices
- State-owned entities
- Sovereign and quasi-sovereign parties
The firm's disputes work frequently involves matters with reputational, political and commercial sensitivities, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The Opportunity
This role offers exposure to:
- High-value international commercial arbitration
- Investor-state and treaty arbitration
- Cross-border disputes involving complex jurisdictional issues
- Matters proceeding under major arbitral rules including ICC, LCIA, SIAC, SCC, ICSID and UNCITRAL
The successful candidate will work closely with partners and clients, receiving a level of responsibility often difficult to obtain within larger institutional teams.
What They're Looking For
The team is interested in lawyers who have developed a genuine arbitration practice and have been actively involved throughout key stages of proceedings. Experience should include:
- Procedural strategy
- Drafting substantive submissions
- Managing witness evidence
- Managing expert evidence
- Hearing preparation and attendance
- Direct client interaction
- Coordination with external counsel and experts
Candidates who have only had limited exposure to arbitration as part of a broader litigation practice are less likely to be suitable.
Why Consider the Move?
This opportunity is particularly attractive for associates who:
- Want greater autonomy and responsibility
- Are seeking more direct client exposure
- Want to work closer to decision-makers
- Enjoy operating within a specialist disputes environment
- Are looking to accelerate their development as a recognised arbitration practitioner
The team is busy, growing, and keen to hire someone who can immediately contribute to ongoing matters whilst developing into a key member of the practice over the longer term.
Ideal Candidate
Approximately 3–7 PQE (flexibility for exceptional profiles)
- Strong international arbitration experience
- Commercial arbitration and/or investment treaty arbitration background
- Experience under major arbitral institutions
- Comfortable managing substantial workstreams independently
- Commercially minded and ambitious
- Looking for a platform where responsibility is earned early and merit is recognised
This would suit someone who enjoys being close to the action and wants to play a visible role within a specialist arbitration practice rather than being one of many associates in a large international team.
International Arbitration Associate/Senior Associate in Cardiff employer: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Join a leading specialist disputes practice in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises contentious work and offers significant investment in your professional growth. With a focus on high-profile international arbitration cases, you will enjoy greater autonomy, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to develop into a key member of a busy and ambitious team. This is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful work and a clear path to becoming a recognised arbitration practitioner.
Contact Details:
Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment Recruitment Team
