Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP - AllHires

The firm

The department

Skadden's London Litigation & International Arbitration group is a market leader with a strong track record of success in both arbitration and litigation mandates. The group is recognized in Tier 1 by Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Headquartered in London, it has handled cases in the world's major arbitration centers and courts. Our team includes English solicitors, solicitor-advocates and lawyers qualified in several European jurisdictions. We do not separate our international litigation and arbitration practices, enabling us to provide clients with a unified team and strategy throughout the life of a dispute while broadening the experience available to our associates. We routinely conduct the advocacy in our arbitrations without external counsel.

We focus on disputes involving significant technical complexity, large sums in controversy, or high levels of commercial or political risk. In the commercial field, the team routinely represents major global corporations in matters concerning shareholders' agreements, joint ventures, supply and distribution contracts, taxation, competition, director and manager liability, EU state aid law, licensing contracts and other complex issues. The group is also known for its track record in high-profile investor-state arbitrations, representing both investors and sovereigns in landmark proceedings.

In litigation, we advise on some of the largest cases before the English courts, as well as matters in jurisdictions that follow English law and are subject to appeals to the Privy Council. As part of Skadden's global dispute resolution practice, the group has extensive capabilities in managing disputes requiring a coordinated strategy across multiple jurisdictions, including the courts of the United States, Germany, Hong Kong, Central and Eastern Europe and other international forums.

The Role

We are seeking two associates at the 2-4 PQE level to join the London Litigation & International Arbitration group. The group focuses on high-value, complex litigation and international arbitration. Associates work closely with partners on major disputes, are encouraged to undertake their own advocacy where possible, and take meaningful responsibility for their matters from an early stage.

• Advise on high-value, complex litigation and international arbitration matters.
• Manage significant caseloads and workstreams with partner supervision.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, submissions, witness statements and other court and arbitral documents.
• Participate in advocacy, including undertaking advocacy directly where appropriate.
• Coordinate cross-border disputes and related proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
• Contribute to the development and execution of case strategy.
• Work on investor-state arbitrations and a broad range of commercial disputes.
• Take early responsibility for matters, client communications and day-to-day case management.

Person Specification

• 2-4 years' relevant UK post-qualification experience; qualified in England & Wales or an equivalent common law jurisdiction.
• Broad litigation and/or international arbitration experience gained at a top-tier law firm.
• Good generalist experience handling disputes under English law.
• Experience of or exposure to EU law and/or public international law is an advantage.
• Excellent written communication and drafting skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and take on responsibility.
• High level of academic achievement.
• Foreign language skills are an advantage.

Remuneration

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package. The package includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Life insurance
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance
• Travel insurance

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join Skadden laterally participate in our mentor program, Skadden Integration+, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions.

The program, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits and hybrid work model – consisting of working Monday through Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys) – underscores Skadden's long-standing commitment to investing in its people and culture.

Training and Development

Skadden has a sophisticated training program that includes both in-house and external seminars and training sessions. We also pride ourselves on providing our lawyers with "on-the-job" training and constructive "real-time" partner feedback. The formal training program includes:

• Regular team meetings.
• Regular know-how meetings and specific high yield know-how and training program.
• Weekly and monthly training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm’s practice areas and skills. These are presented by partners and associates and external specialists, KCs and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden’s network of offices.

Pro bono

Pro bono is a core aspect of Skadden culture, and the firm dedicates approximately 3-5% of its total billable hours to pro bono matters. Our lawyers have an opportunity to get involved in a range of pro bono matters under the supervision of charities, on topics including family, welfare benefits, housing, and immigration, as well as corporate pro bono opportunities.

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunities Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees in relation to any protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, religion or belief, nationality, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth, adoption or disability.

Ahead of making your application, if you have any adjustments which you would like to make us aware of, please contact [email protected] directly.