DLA Piper

Commercial Litigation Associate / Senior Associate | DLA Piper Careers

In short

DLA Piper's Edinburgh team is hiring a Commercial Litigation Associate / Senior Associate to handle high value, complex litigation and international arbitration for a diverse international client base. The role covers dispute management, drafting legal documents, client advising, business development and legal research, with occasional travel to client sites and other offices. It requires a Scotland-qualified Solicitor with around 2-6 years' PQE, strong litigation and multi-disciplinary dispute resolution experience, and sector interest in Financial Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Industrials, Technology or Life Sciences.

Commercial Litigation Associate / Senior Associate
Litigation & Regulatory
We are currently looking to recruit a motivated, bright and ambitious international commercial disputes associate to join our Edinburgh team.
Our Edinburgh 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, high value and highly complex, and often international, disputes.
The role will be based in our Edinburgh 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 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, be they by international arbitration, litigation, adjudication, expert determination or mediation
•Drafting, reviewing and amending a range of dispute related documents (ranging from pleadings to pre action letters)
•Strategically advising clients and managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
•Liaising with and taking instruction from clients
•Attending client meetings
•Business development
•Legal research
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 2- and 6-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, qualified in Scotland and a member of the Law Society of Scotland
•Have strong litigation experience gained in a leading Scottish, City or other top regional firm, but must be admitted to practice law in Scotland. Being additionally qualified to practice in England & Wales (or a willingness or desire to do so) is advantageous, but not essential
•Have multi-disciplinary experience, including litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution
•Have a specific interest in supporting clients operating in at least one of the Financial Services; Energy and Natural Resources; Industrials (including Space); Technology or Life Sciences 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
•Non-English language skills are desirable, though not essential
•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
•Know and understand how to best utilise information and research resources
Behavioural skills
•Commercially astute and stays current on key legal and business news
•Excellent skills in communication, client relations, and team-working
•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
•Awareness of business development initiatives in the department and identifies ways to contribute
•Maintains a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure
•Exhibits behaviour consistent with the firm's values and builds relationships based on respect, trust and integrity
•Exposure to, or experience of, advocacy within the Scottish legal system is highly desirable though not essential
About us
We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

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