Job title: Litigation Associate
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: 3 Year PQE 4 Years PQE 5 Year PQE Senior Associate / Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £164,000.00
Location: London, UK
Job published: 2026-04-14
Job ID: 59172
Contact name: David Hawthorne-Finch
Phone number: +443339962882
Contact email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Litigation Associate (3–5 PQE)

Salary: £160,000–£190,000

Location: London

High-value international disputes + accelerated development

If you’re a mid-level litigator who wants proper responsibility on complex, high-stakes matters (not just document review), this is a standout opportunity to join an internationally recognised disputes team in London. You’ll work closely with senior lawyers from day one, build real advocacy-adjacent experience, and develop quickly through exposure to premium litigation and arbitration work.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a talented Commercial Litigation Associate (3–5 years’ PQE) to join its Dispute Resolution & Restructuring practice in London. The team acts on complex, high-value disputes across a broad range of industries and is known for its strategic, trial-ready approach.
 
You’ll be involved across the full litigation lifecycle, with the chance to take ownership of key workstreams and build strong client-facing experience.

What You’ll Be Doing

You can expect a varied caseload spanning litigation and arbitration, including:
  • Pre-action strategy and urgent applications, including injunctions (all types)
  • Mediations and other forms of dispute resolution
  • Drafting pleadings, applications and hearing materials
  • Managing client and counterparty communications
  • Running disclosure processes
  • Conducting in-depth legal research to support case strategy
  • Preparing witness and expert evidence
  • Supporting trial preparation and broader litigation strategy
  • Assisting on complex arbitrations

 

Key Requirements

To be considered, you will need:
  • Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
  • 3–5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial litigation
  • Experience handling complex disputes before courts, tribunals and/or arbitration panels
  • Proven capability across core litigation tasks, including:
    • injunctions and mediations
    • drafting pleadings and applications
    • disclosure management
    • witness/expert evidence
    • trial preparation and case strategy
  • Experience acting for both claimants and defendants
  • Strong academics and excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Background from a comparable law firm environment (preferred)

Desirable Experience

  • Exposure to disputes involving copyright, data protection, defamation, privacy, and/or breach of confidence

Salary, Location & Working Arrangement

  • Salary: £160,000–£190,000 (depending on experience)
  • Location: London (office-based role with a professional, high-performance team environment)
  • Working arrangements will be discussed based on team needs and candidate fit.

Benefits & Progression

In addition to a highly competitive salary, the role offers:
  • Accelerated professional development through close collaboration with senior lawyers
  • High-quality, complex disputes work with meaningful responsibility
  • Strong client exposure and the opportunity to build trusted-adviser credibility early
  • A dynamic environment with high-performing, creative litigators and a strong litigation culture
 

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact:
 
David Hawthorne-Finch
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
 
If you’d like, send a CV or simply share your current PQE and the type of disputes you’re strongest in I’ll advise on fit and next steps.