Associate - Commercial Disputes (4-7 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Commercial Disputes team are recruiting an Associate (4-7 PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Our Commercial Disputes team advise a truly varied client base, ranging from major international consumer brands, IT organisations, car manufacturers, sports teams, through to start-ups, entrepreneurs, and private individuals.

This Associate position involves working closely with our partners to handle matters concerning commercial disputes of all kinds. You will take up and run ongoing dispute matters with minimal supervision, advising our clients directly and working with the wider team to achieve successful outcomes for our clients. This is a highly varied position – no two days will be the same.

We are looking for an experienced litigation Associate (4-7 PQE) who has experience running litigation matters and managing a broad range of clients. Candidates should have a good working knowledge of the CPR and experience of litigating in one or more of the Business and Property Courts and the Kings Bench Division. We would welcome applications from litigators with experience of (or a genuine interest in) libel, intellectual property, or privacy cases.

We are opening the application pool wide as we recognise good litigators can have experience as varied as our practice. If this role sounds interesting, you should apply for our consideration.

Find out more about our Commercial Disputes team here.

Examples of recent work:

• Acting for an international restaurant group in a multi-jurisdictional trade mark dispute spanning Europe, the Middle East and the US;
• Acting for a major apparel supplier in a High Court libel claim against a UK university;
• Pursuing High Court litigation for a food brand against a supplier of defective machinery;
• Defending the seller of a multi-million pound equestrian business against a claim by the purchasers;
• Bringing High Court proceedings including for an interim injunction for breach of confidence, infringement of copyright and passing off against a company and various individuals;
• Acting for a client in respect of a multi-£m breach of contract claim in the aviation sector;
• Acting for UK parent companies of a South American overseas subsidiary that have been sued in the UK for the alleged actions of the overseas subsidiary;
• Acting on a complex contractual dispute in relation to the development of what would be the world's largest residential superyacht.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing high-quality and commercial legal advice to our clients in relation to commercial disputes, both at the pre-action stages and through to litigation and trial if necessary.
• Being a key point of contact for clients on the status of their matters, as well as key internal stakeholders;
• Helping to build the practice through relationship management and business development.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• A strong background in Commercial Disputes (4-7 PQE), ideally to High Court level;
• Sound working knowledge of English High Court procedures and rules;
• Be a qualified solicitor (4-7 PQE) in E&W or similar legal jurisdiction (Aus / NZ / SA / Canada / US qualified applications welcome);
• A relevant legal qualification - law degree, or legal post-graduate qualification in a related field;
• Strong communicator able to build relationships, internally and externally, at all levels;
• Ability to supervise work for more junior staff members, in line with deadlines;
• Excellent academic history;
• Strong commercial awareness;
• Excellent organisational and file management skills; and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary;
• comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.