Commercial Litigation Associate

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based across our 7 locations to include Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory. We are defined by our next level law proposition. With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. Our CLDR (Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution) team collaborates with its clients to avoid disputes. Our specialist team of over 30 lawyers act for a broad range of clients including high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, SME’s, listed companies and multi-nationals. Our lawyers conduct litigation in the High Court and the Court of Appeal and act for clients in arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Our opponents are typically major London and international law firms. We have strong links with proven junior and leading counsel in leading London commercial chambers. Our teams are routinely ranked in the top tier by the legal directories, Legal 500 and Chambers. Interviewees in Chambers [UK 2023] describe the Litigation Team as "at the top of its game". This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic market leading team dealing with high quality work. The role can be based ideally in Ipswich, but we will also consider Norwich and Chelmsford with weekly travel to Ipswich to work alongside the team ( travel expenses covered by Birketts). Interacting directly with clients and building the client relationship Using document management, CRM and time recording systems The CLDR Team are seeking an Associate Solicitor of around 3-5 years PQE with a strong academic background. An interest in and experience of advising on complex commercial disputes, enforcement of restrictive covenants and shareholder disputes would be welcomed. They will be commercially astute, with a strong client focused approach, and aptitude for business development, be that writing articles or attending networking events. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support. ~25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays rising with service. ~ Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service ~ Private Healthcare - BUPA (offered after probation is passed) ~ Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee) ~ Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share) ~ Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance ~ Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave ~ Season Ticket Loan ~ Gym Flex membership ~ Electric car scheme ~ Dress for your Day Policy ~ Agile / hybrid working Policy ~Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.