Commercial Litigation Associate

PQE: 1 – 3 years PQEWorking Hours: Full-time (Monday - Friday; 9.30am - 5.30pm)Term: PermanentReports to: Practice Area ManagerTeam: Dispute ResolutionOur teamThe firm acts for private capital, private wealth, and institutions. The work of the Dispute Resolution team spreads across all of those but fundamentally it is a commercial disputes team. The team handles a wide range of litigation, arbitration and other contentious matters which are often large scale, complex and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Our work includes: commercial contract claims; civil fraud and asset tracing; shareholder disputes; data, IP and technology disputes; financial services and banking disputes; professional negligence; and art and cultural property disputes.Our clients include businesses (private companies, private equity, venture capital, family businesses and partnerships), financial institutions (banks, asset managers and wealth managers), individuals (founders, UHNW individuals, family offices, established entrepreneurs and senior executives) and institutions (sovereign institutions, cultural institutions, universities and schools).Our experience across this range of sectors ensures that our litigators understand the impact which a dispute can have on both an individual and at an organisational level. Each dispute requires a tailored solution, and we are committed to working quickly with our clients (and third parties) to identify and understand the issues our clients are facing in order to achieve the best possible result.The roleOur busy dispute resolution practice is growing, and we are looking for a 1-3 year PQE Associate to join our highly successful team.The role will involve dealing with a range of disputes for the firm’s clients, which typically translates into a highly varied and interesting workload. We encourage junior associates to gain experience in a wide variety of work while developing subject matter and sector expertise through client work and involvement in the team's business development activities. The team's caseload is of a very high quality and for the most part the other parties in the dispute are represented by City and US firms and litigation boutiques.Key responsibilitiesThe successful candidate will work on complex and significant disputes. Associates are given significant responsibility and are expected, at mid-level, to be able to run smaller matters with limited partner input. On larger matters Associates will have ownership of key workstreams, direct involvement in submissions and hearings, and regular client exposure.The role will involve:Managing discrete matters and key workstreams on large, complex and cross-border disputes, including public international law matters.Case analysis and providing initial merits and strategic advice to clients.Drafting key correspondence and other documents such as witness statements, supporting disclosure, attending meetings and hearings and assisting in settlement negotiations, including attending mediations.Managing and participating in large-scale disclosure and document production exercises.Liaising with clients, counsel, expert witnesses and investigators as required.Contributing to and originating business development initiatives, including writing articles and preparing marketing materials, participating in business development campaigns, giving presentations, attending events (both in-house and externally) and proactively building a network.Skills and ExperienceProactive team player and supportive colleague, with an enthusiastic manner, who takes a flexible, ‘can-do’ approach.Ability to assimilate complex facts as well as being meticulous and well organised.Confident in working autonomously and taking ownership of work to ensure client work is progressed and deadlines are met effectively.Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and client demands.Excellent drafting skills, with the ability to produce clear, structured and persuasive written work; as well as a very strong understanding of the disclosure process and a familiarity with the major e-disclosure platforms.Strong IT skills.Adaptable and open to change, with a strong sense of responsibility.Possesses a proactive and innovative approach to problem solving, demonstrating sound judgment.Education and QualificationsThe candidate will hold a minimum 2:1 degree and a training contract from a City or US firm.This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. It outlines the general scope and expectations of the role, but additional tasks may be assigned as necessary to meet the needs of the firm.Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply - your unique experience and perspective could be just what we are looking for.Join us for the journeyFarrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.farrer.co.uk/join-usWhat we offerA career with us offers the chance to be part of a firm that values its people as much as its clients. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, you’ll find opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and develop in an environment where traditional values and innovation work side by side. We offer:A culture where people come firstOpportunities to develop and grow your careerFlexible working options – we welcome applications across a variety of working patternsAn agile working policy, with a minimum of 40% of your working pattern in the officeA comprehensive benefits packageCareers - What we offer | Farrer & CoOur commitment to fostering an inclusive workplaceWe are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and we recruit based on merit, potential, and the value each person brings to our team.We actively encourage applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also welcome applications from neurodiverse candidates and are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.If you require any adjustments or support at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our Recruitment Team.A responsible businessAt Farrer & Co, conducting business responsibly is fundamental to who we are. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and partnership runs through every corner of the firm, guiding both our client work and our broader impact on society.Our vision is clear: to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and make a meaningful impact through the work we do with our clients and in our communities.Responsible Business | Farrer & CoRecruitment processApplications should be submitted via the Candid portal. We review submissions on a rolling basis up until the advertised closing date.All CVs are assessed by our Recruitment Team and the relevant Hiring Manager (we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools - every CV is reviewed by a person).Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to interview. Our process usually includes a first-round virtual interview and a second-round in-person interview, with tasks or assessments for some roles.All offers of employment are subject to standard pre-employment checks. These may include, but are not limited to, verification of qualifications, right to work, employment references and background checks. If you would like more information or to review the screening policy, please contact a member of the recruitment team.Agency noticeWe welcome direct applications and work with a select group of recruitment agencies who have agreed to our terms of business. These agencies have exclusive access to specific roles for a two-week period from the start of our recruitment process. During this time, we are unable to engage with other external agencies.All applications must be submitted via the Candid portal; CVs sent through other channels cannot be accepted.For any queries, please contact the Recruitment team. We kindly ask that you do not contact partners or hiring managers directly. Thank you for your understanding.