Commercial Litigation & International Arbitration Associate / Senior Associate

Role Purpose

We are currently seeking to recruit a bright and ambitious Associate or Senior Associate specialising in international commercial disputes to join our Birmingham team.

Our Tier 1 Birmingham team advises on high value and complex litigation and international arbitration. Acting for a diverse, international client and sector base, the successful candidate will gain direct experience in all aspects of dispute avoidance, management and resolution of high quality and highly complex disputes.

The role will be based in our Birmingham office but will also require travel to client sites and our other UK and international offices from time to time.

Main duties and responsibilities

As part of our market leading global team, candidates will enjoy a high quality range of work including, but not be limited to:

• Advising on all aspects of disputes avoidance, management and resolution of high quality, highly complex disputes across a range of sectors;
• Management of disputes and preparation of strategies for dealing with claims, including international arbitration, litigation, adjudication, expert determination and mediation;
• Strategically advising clients and managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately;
• Liaising with and taking instruction from clients;
• Attending client meetings; and
• Driving forward business development activities, including on a sector and cross-discipline basis.

About you

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have, however, given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who have between 4- and 7-years’ experience are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to undertake this role.

The ideal candidate will:

• be a qualified Solicitor, ideally qualified in England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction;

• have a mixture of strong litigation experience gained at a leading regional or City firm. Arbitration experience is desirable but not essential;
• have multi-disciplinary experience, including litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution;
• have a specific interest in supporting clients operating in one of the firm's key sectors;
• be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the technical issues that are key to clients;
• have experience working across jurisdictions and advising international clients;
• be capable of building and developing their own network of internal and external contacts;
• draft documents using a commercial, client focussed style;
• comply with professional standards and all relevant regulatory obligations;
• comply with the firm's systems, policies and procedures in all matters - including compliance, financial systems and time recording; and
• know and understand how to best utilise information and research resources.

Behavioural skills:

• A values-based approach – the candidate should be bold, supportive, collaborative and exceptional; Commercially astute and stays current on key legal and business news;

• Excellent skills in communication, client relations, and team-working;
• A proactive, self-driven, entrepreneurial and innovative outlook
• Provides a professional, quality service in a timely manner, and responds effectively to requests from internal and external clients;
• Understands positive client support;
• Creates confidence in the team and the firm;
• Works co-operatively in a team, sharing information and knowledge;
• Manages time effectively and efficiently;
• Seeks to manage own utilisation wherever possible in order to meet individual and team targets;
• Takes ownership for achieving agreed objectives;
• Recognises and seizes opportunities for the firm, including repeat business;
• Builds and develops own network of internal and external contacts;
• Develops an awareness of business development initiatives in the department and identifies ways to contribute;
• Maintains a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure; and Exhibits behaviour consistent with the firm's values and builds relationships based on respect, trust and integrity.

This job profile is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The role holder may be required to undertake additional duties as circumstances dictate, including but not limited to tasks that arise from operational needs, special projects, or other assignments.

About us

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers and business service professionals located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

Our values

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully

• Be Collaborative - we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships

• Be Bold - we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions

• Be Exceptional - we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

Diversity and inclusion

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do. We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

Hybrid working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That's why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-engagement screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits and where relevant, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and work-related references.

Apply now