The Role
We are looking for an ambitious and talented commercial litigator to join our busy and growing commercial litigation team. This new position is ideal for someone with around 3-6 years PQE (although we may consider those with more or less PQE in exceptional circumstances), gained in a City firm or leading national or regional practice.
We are based in Guildford, although we currently offer flexible hybrid working with most people choosing to spend on average 2 3 days per week in the office.
Although we are advertising this role as a full-time role, we would also consider this as a part-time role.
The Commercial Litigation Team
There are currently 5 partners and 9 other lawyers in the team. We are one of the largest contentious law practices in the South East outside London and are rated in the top tiers of Chambers and Legal 500 and as a National Leading Practice in Chambers.
We handle a wide range of contentious work for a variety of clients, from individuals and owner managed businesses to household name PLCs. A large proportion of our work is international in nature, involving close collaboration with law firms in other jurisdictions. As well as handling complex High Court litigation and international arbitration we provide strategic advice on claims avoidance and risk management.
We are committed to investment in our team and have several solicitor advocates within the team as well as members of CiArb and qualified mediators. First-class support and learning and development opportunities are provided, and early responsibility is offered. The successful candidate will often work on cases directly with a partner and take responsibility for progressing cases, as well as working as part of a larger team.
Elizabeth Butler, associate, comments I joined S&B in 2020, having trained and qualified at a regional law firm and from the outset Ive been involved in great quality, interesting work spanning a range of different industries. As a commercial litigation associate at S&B, youre given plenty of direct client contact and theres a real emphasis on learning and development and equipping you with the tools you need to thrive. The team itself is incredibly supportive and encouraging and the culture of the firm is inclusive with an emphasis on bringing everyone together through regular department and firm-wide socials.
Teja Pisk, senior associate, comments I joined Stevens & Bolton in 2018 having trained and qualified at a City firm and have, quite frankly, never looked back. I have excellent exposure to a wide variety of stimulating cases and great levels of responsibility. The team as a whole is incredibly supportive, encouraging and friendly which makes for a fantastic working environment in which everyone is given the opportunity to thrive. The firm wide culture is a real differential genuinely inclusive with a real sense of togetherness
Qualifications and Experience
We are looking for someone with drive and enthusiasm for a broad diet of commercial dispute resolution work. Strong experience of commercial contract disputes will be a definite advantage, as will an appetite for business development. The successful candidate is likely to:
1. Be a strong team player with good inter-personal skills;
2. Have good academics and high-quality experience typically with a City or leading national/regional practice;
3. Possess the ability to communicate concisely and with confidence;
4. Have excellent technical ability, drafting skills and attention to detail;
5. Be highly motivated and reliable;
6. Be able to work both independently, running appropriate cases with minimum supervision and as part of a large team;
7. Demonstrate commercial awareness;
8. Be confident and personable when interacting directly with clients and provide a high level of client service; and
9. Be willing to take an active role and interest in business development within both the team and across the wider firm.
The Opportunity
10. Competitive base salary
11. Pensions Scheme (5% employer contribution)
12. Private medical insurance
13. Permanent health insurance
14. Life assurance
15. Receive either the sum of £750 per annum as a travel allowance or reimbursement of carparking expenses via a pay as you go card at a local carpark (likely to be Farnham Road carpark)
16. Travel option to apply for an interest free loan for a season ticket or parking permit
17. Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (after sufficient service)
18. Cash back scheme
19. Comprehensive flexible benefits package including:
20. Critical illness insurance
21. Buy/Sell holiday scheme
22. Dental insurance
23. Cycle to work schemes
24. Taste card
25. Fun pass
26. Give as you earn
27. Discounted gym memberships and shopping
28. Profit share and discretionary bonus schemes