Associate – disputes and investigations

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a disputes associate to join our growing advanced delivery legal department, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

A&O Shearman Belfast plays an increasing role in delivering important elements of major litigation cases and transactions, as well as in coordinating teams of lawyers from around the world. A&O Shearman Belfast is a key part of A&O Shearman’s advanced delivery of legal services to its clients, making intelligent use of technology and complementing the traditional law services provided by A&O Shearman throughout the world. We have created a truly collaborative culture where talented individuals work together and can flourish and achieve great things.

Advanced delivery legal - Belfast

Our disputes practice handles the full range of corporate and commercial disputes, including competition and antitrust litigation, derivatives and structured finance disputes, insolvency and restructuring litigation, class actions, insurance litigation, securities litigation and M&A disputes. We are also at the vanguard of emerging disputes driven by sustainability/ESG related issues and those involving data, cyber-security, fintech and digitalisation. Our litigators work seamlessly in integrated teams with our transactional and advisory colleagues, providing in-depth market expertise and product knowledge that gives clients an edge in disputes and enables us to pre-empt and protect against potential risks to their businesses.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced commercial disputes lawyer to join our Belfast office. This is a truly unique opportunity to undertake London-based work and develop your career through exposure to complex, high-profile cases with a global reach, all while being based in Belfast.

What you will do

As a disputes associate, you will be an integral part of our London litigation and investigations (L&I) team working on a diverse range of high value litigation and investigations. This role offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and exposure to high-profile cases globally. If you are a commercial disputes lawyer looking to take your career to the next level, we invite you to apply and become part of our dynamic team. We welcome applications from candidates with three or more years of experience in commercial litigation.

L&I is made up of five sub-groups: antitrust litigation; commercial litigation; cybersecurity; securities and shareholder litigation; white collar and investigations. There are a variety of specialisms within these groups – we have an enormously varied practice that allows us to provide our clients with support on any contentious issue they may face.

• Involvement in commercial litigation
• Drafting and amending documentation and court pleadings
• Preparing clients for court proceedings and trials
• Drafting expert evidence and witness statements
• Drafting advice
• Liaising with clients and attending client meetings
• Managing client expectations appropriately
• Business development
• Legal research

What you will have

• Qualified lawyer with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE, preferably gained at a global or city law firm.
• Experience working in a commercial litigation or disputes role.
• Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Detail focused and self-motivated approach
• Excellent client relationship and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Focus on business development and building your personal profile.
• Experience in high-value commercial litigation and investigations is preferred.

What we can offer you
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We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.​

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We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.