International Arbitration Associate/Senior Associate in Portsmouth

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.