At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling complex commercial and financial disputes.
- Company: Shoosmiths, a leading law firm known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Supportive culture, career development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Be part of a nationally recognised team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-stakes litigation while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial or financial services litigation and strong client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We're seeking commercially astute and ambitious litigators to join our growing Litigation, Regulatory & Compliance team in Leeds. This is an exciting opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate (4+ PQE) to work alongside leading practitioners on complex, high-value commercial and financial services disputes.
You'll be part of a nationally recognised team advising a diverse client base from FTSE listed companies and global brands to fast-growing start-ups on a wide range of contentious matters. We're particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in Financial Services disputes and/or acting for large corporates on complex, high value and reputationally significant commercial disputes.
Our LRC team operates across all UK jurisdictions and is regularly instructed on international litigation and arbitration matters. You'll advise on all aspects of commercial and/or financial services dispute resolution, court proceedings, arbitration, and ADR across sectors including financial services, technology, automotive, manufacturing, and more. You will collaborate with experts in insurance, competition, regulatory and investigations.
We're looking for someone with a strong grounding in commercial and/or financial services litigation, ideally with experience managing complex disputes and navigating high-stakes matters. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in litigation and demonstrate confidence in client engagement, with the ability to lead on cases and build trusted relationships. A collaborative mindset is essential, along with a genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the team's business development efforts.
Our Litigation, Regulatory & Compliance team is central to Shoosmiths' 2030 vision to be a pre-eminent firm for contentious work. With litigators across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, we advise on all aspects of dispute resolution, including court proceedings, arbitration, and ADR.
The team includes specialist groups in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Financial Services Disputes & Investigations
- Insurance
- Competition
- Regulatory Investigations
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
Trainee Associate in Leeds employer: SHOOSMITHS
Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking firm that values your contributions and supports your journey in the dynamic world of events management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Associate in Leeds
✨Join Local Law Societies
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✨Leverage University Resources
Swing by your uni’s career centre and see what they’ve got on offer for law students. They usually have connections with firms looking for trainees, and can help you polish your interview skills through mock interviews. Don’t forget to ask about any upcoming recruitment fairs!
✨Connect with Trainee Alumni
Reach out to past trainees from your network or alumni groups. They can offer invaluable advice on their experiences and might even point you to firms that are hiring. Plus, you never know when a friendly face could help your application stand out!
✨Submit Direct Applications through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Associate in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Acumen:Make sure your CV highlights your knowledge of legal principles and any relevant coursework. This is super important for a trainee role, so if you've got any practical experience like mooting competitions or internships, be sure to include those to show us what you've learned in practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why legal services excite you and detail your motivation for wanting to be a trainee with us at SHOOSMITHS. Share any unique experiences or insights you've had that relate to our work — we love to see passion!
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:As part of a legal team, strong research skills are key. If you've conducted any legal research during your studies or previous roles, mention specific cases or legal documents you've worked with. Including these details can set you apart from other candidates applying for your trainee spot.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:When applying through our website, make sure you're tailoring your CV and cover letter specifically for the role at SHOOSMITHS. Use our job posting as a guide to emphasize the skills and qualifications that align perfectly with the trainee position — it shows us you're keen and have done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at SHOOSMITHS
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Get ready to showcase your understanding of key legal concepts and principles relevant to the field. Brush up on areas like contract law or torts, as you might encounter some scenario-based questions during your interview. It’s not just about memorising; be prepared to discuss how you'd apply these principles in real-world situations, which will highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In legal interviews, your ability to conduct thorough research is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you approach case studies or legal precedents. You might also be asked about tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, so having some familiarity with these platforms can really set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, companies like SHOOSMITHS want to see your passion for the law and eagerness to learn. Bring up any relevant coursework, internships, or voluntary work during your studies. This shows that you're proactive and ready to embrace the challenges of the legal world.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural questions that probe your problem-solving and teamwork skills. Examples might relate to how you've handled conflict in a group project or dealt with tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process.
