Senior Associate, International Arbitration

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Key responsibilities

• Assist and, where appropriate, lead on international arbitrations

• Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.

• Support partners and senior associates in performing advocacy at hearings while developing own advocacy skills

• Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.

• Support the firm and others - establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.

• Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• We would anticipate the successful candidate to have 6+ years of post-qualification experience, although exceptional candidates with 5+ years will be considered 

• Strong experience in international arbitration matters, which could be commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration and public international law cases, or a combination 

• Strong legal skills, including drafting, analysis and case management skills; good team player

• Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets

Competencies

Personal leadership

• Takes initiative, embraces challenge and brings energy and drive to their work

Technical capability

• Seeks opportunities to grow and develop to deliver value for our clients

Collaborates with others

• Works as a team player, learns from and supports others

Plans and delivers outcomes

• Operates as an effective legal project manager

Enhances the client experience

• Builds relationships and provides good client service

Contributes to building the firm

• Builds relationships and innovates for the firm’s future

Team

Location

Contract type

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.