Francis Wilks & Jones
Associate Solicitor, Commercial Litigation
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Job title: Associate, Commercial Litigation
PQE Required: 2-3 years’ PQE
Location: London
Reports to: Andrew Carter
WHO WE ARE
We are a modern, ambitious law firm always on the look-out for talented individuals to join our team.
We are recognised market experts across a number of legal areas including, commercial litigation, corporate restructuring and insolvency, specialist director advice (both pre and post commencement of proceedings), shareholder disputes, tax disputes and banking & finance work.
We are constantly looking to develop technologically and have a focus on quality legal services and will support individuals with innovative ideas.
Many of our solicitors previously worked at national and international law firms but have chosen to join us to work with our great team and longstanding clients. They enjoy working in a forward looking firm where collaboration and ideas are encouraged.
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking an ambitious and technically strong Associate Lawyer to join our Commercial Litigation team. The successful candidate will have significant experience in handling complex commercial disputes, with particular expertise in shareholder and corporate disputes. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-value, strategically important matters for a diverse client base, including private companies, directors, shareholders, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate groups.
The successful candidate will be expected to manage cases independently, support partners and other senior fee earners on complex litigation, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
Our people are central to the success of Francis Wilks & Jones and ensuring the successful candidate fits into our culture is important to us. We are therefore looking for candidates who:
- Are legally competent in commercial litigation and general commercial law.
- Are reactive to client needs and interested in the technical challenges of our clients’ instructions and have the ability to provide a “value added” service;
- Are energetic and enthusiastic self-starters.
- Are keen to keep themselves updated with regular training and the understanding of breaking case law which often impacts upon the services provided to our clients;
- Understand the needs of HNW clients and Directors/SMEs and their commercial needs in respect of the risks of litigation, the strategic use of litigation and value-added aspects of litigation strategy.
- Are keen to understand client businesses, their methodologies and their needs.
- Are experienced in commercial dispute resolution and are able to employ such knowledge for a client’s best interests
- Be experienced in modern case management systems and be open to the use of technology within the law.
- Having some understanding or be willing to understand the use of SEO, AI and other modern marketing techniques as part of a modern legal profession.
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SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
The successful candidate should ideally be able to demonstrate a range of experience of general commercial litigation. This should include where possible experience of the following areas:
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Experience of technically complex contractual disputes, shareholder and business disputes, arbitration proceedings, tortious claims, professional negligence and injunctive proceedings (particularly freezing order applications).
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Experience of a client facing role, speaking to clients from initial enquiry through to conclusion.
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Conducting general commercial litigation (fast track and multi-track claims), to include a reasonably accurate understanding and experience of the CPR and how this can be used for clients strategically.
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Required skills include drafting witness statements, interim applications (security for costs, further information, strike-out), dealing with detailed disclosure exercises (including disclosure under new pilot early and extended disclosure rules), mediation / ADR, and taking all steps up to and including trial.
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Particular experience of shareholder and corporate disputes desired including s.994 unfair prejudice petitions under the Companies Act 2006 and derivative claims.
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Any experience or an understanding of contentious insolvency matters such as antecedent transactions, misfeasance and claims in respect of outstanding directors’ loan accounts would be beneficial (but not required).
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CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales.
- Approximately 2-3 years' PQE (guideline only).
- Strong experience in commercial litigation.
- Demonstrable experience managing shareholder and corporate disputes.
- Experience of High Court litigation, including the Business and Property Courts.
- Excellent drafting, analytical and advocacy skills.
- Strong client relationship and case management capabilities.
- Commercially minded with a practical approach to dispute resolution.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience of international disputes and enforcement issues.
- Experience of arbitration and mediation.
- Previous involvement in emergency injunctions and shareholder remedies.
- Established professional network and business development experience.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid working model for better work-life balance.
- 25 Days paid holiday, plus extra days for long service, and free day given at Christmas.
- Private healthcare via Vitality – includes holiday discounts, gym discounts and even free cinema vouchers and coffee!
- Complimentary in-house breakfast, healthy (and not so healthy) staff snack bar.
- Critical Illness and Income Protection Insurance.
- Life Assurance.
- Pension scheme.
- Online private GP services.
- Wellbeing support for you and your family, medical helpline & legal support.
- Merit-based progression.
- Collaborative culture – ideas are welcomed, and innovation is encouraged.
- Regular training and updates on cutting-edge case law.
- Marketing and profile-building support via social media and thought leadership.
- Modern Tech tools, including AI, SEO, GEO and digital marketing techniques to enhance your legal practice.
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Apply now and become part of a firm that’s redefining what it means to be a modern legal professional.
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