At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on competition law, manage investigations, and handle litigation in a collaborative team.
- Company: Leading international law firm with a strong competition practice in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working culture, strong mentorship, and exposure to major client matters.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and develop as a well-rounded competition lawyer.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 4-8 years of experience in competition law.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, a prominent international law firm with a leading competition practice, is seeking a talented associate to join its London team. The group advises on a wide range of UK and EU competition matters, with a strong balance of transactional, advisory and contentious work. This opportunity offers a broad platform for a competition lawyer who enjoys working across multiple disciplines, from merger control and foreign investment reviews to investigations and litigation before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The team’s structure is lean and collaborative, giving associates exposure to major matters and client contact from an early stage.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will join a small, well-integrated competition team working across diverse industries. Around two-thirds of the workload involves merger control and foreign direct investment (FDI) matters, with the remainder focused on advisory and contentious work, including regulatory investigations and litigation. The practice combines complex transactional mandates with active competition disputes, offering the chance to develop as a well-rounded lawyer handling both contentious and non-contentious work. Associates work closely with partners and gain practical involvement in strategy, advocacy and client management.
Responsibilities
- Advise on UK and cross-border merger control filings, including drafting Phase 1 and Phase 2 submissions.
- Manage national security and foreign investment review processes.
- Assist with CMA and European Commission investigations, including dawn raids and responses to information requests.
- Act in competition litigation, including follow-on damages claims and standalone actions before the CAT and High Court.
- Review and advise on commercial agreements and competition law compliance issues.
- Coordinate with barristers and economists on litigation and regulatory matters.
- Support business development initiatives and contribute to internal know-how projects.
Requirements
- Qualified to practice law in England & Wales
- 4-8 years of post-qualification experience in a top-tier law firm
- Strong knowledge of UK merger control, including drafting Phase 1 and Phase 2 filings.
- Experience handling national security and private investment reviews.
- Familiarity with CAT procedures and experience managing barristers.
- Demonstrated ability to handle a mixed caseload — both advisory and disputes work.
The firm maintains a flexible working culture, typically three days in the office each week. Associates describe the group as collaborative, down-to-earth and genuinely supportive, a team where lawyers enjoy strong mentorship and hands-on, intellectually challenging work across the competition spectrum.
Competition Associate employer: Rutherford
Rutherford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an AI-Driven Compliance Associate, you'll benefit from extensive career growth opportunities while working in a leading European private real estate debt investment manager, where your contributions will directly impact compliance strategies. With a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a supportive environment, Rutherford stands out as a place where you can thrive professionally and make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Competition Associate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in the competition law field. This is your chance to learn more about their experiences and get insider tips on landing a role. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field, which can really make you stand out!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience with merger control and regulatory investigations. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to successful outcomes. Bring your A-game!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only makes it easier for you but also shows your enthusiasm for joining our collaborative team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Competition Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Competition Associate role. Highlight your experience with merger control, FDI matters, and any relevant litigation work. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about competition law and how your skills make you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the role and show us your enthusiasm for joining our collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Knowledge:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of UK and EU competition law. Mention any relevant cases or regulations you've worked with, and how they relate to the tasks you'll be handling as a Competition Associate. We love seeing candidates who are well-informed and proactive!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Competition Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK and EU competition law, especially merger control and FDI matters. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the firm's work.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Real Examples
When discussing your past roles, highlight specific cases where you've drafted Phase 1 and Phase 2 submissions or managed investigations. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to handle both advisory and contentious work.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since the team values collaboration, be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively in teams before. Share instances where you coordinated with barristers or economists, showing that you can thrive in a supportive environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to competition law and its recent cases. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.
