Pinsent Masons
Commercial Litigation - Associate

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Job Description
Associate (NQ-4 PQE) – Commercial Litigation & International Arbitration
Location: Leeds
Build Your Disputes Expertise. Broaden Your Experience.
We’re looking for a proactive and ambitious lawyer to join our top-tier Leeds team as an Associate (NQ-4 PQE), offering the opportunity to develop your commercial litigation expertise within a leading global disputes practice.
The Opportunity
This is an ideal role for a lawyer who enjoys variety and is keen to build a broad disputes practice, working across complex, high-value matters while developing their profile and gaining increasing responsibility within a supportive team environment.
What You'll Do
You will play an important role advising on a broad mix of commercial litigation matters. Candidates should be commercial, creative legal thinkers who are eager to develop their technical skills and contribute to the success of the practice.
- Advise on a wide range of commercial disputes including contractual, corporate and financial services disputes and civil fraud across a broad range of industry sectors.
- Support the management of disputes across all stages from pre-action through to resolution.
- Draft court documents including pleadings and evidence.
- Work collaboratively across our offices globally on cross-border mandates.
- Take ownership of workstreams appropriate to your level, with support and guidance from senior colleagues.
- Build client relationships and contribute to business development initiatives.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
- England & Wales qualified lawyer with up to 4 years' PQE.
- Experience of commercial disputes gained through litigation and/or international arbitration matters.
- Strong organisational and case management skills.
- Client-focused with a commitment to delivering first-class service and developing client-facing skills.
- Strong technical ability and commercial awareness.
- A strong work ethic and a proactive approach to managing your workload.
- A personable and collegiate mindset, demonstrated through positive working relationships with colleagues, clients and external organisations.
- A willingness to engage in business development opportunities and contribute to the wider team.
- A genuine interest in working flexibly across commercial litigation and arbitration.
Why Pinsent Masons
At Pinsent Masons, we are a purpose-led professional services business committed to creating a career experience that is exceptional by design. We offer:


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- High-quality, intellectually stimulating work with market-leading clients.
- A supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture where people can thrive.
- Clear and transparent opportunities for development and progression.
- Flexible and agile working, supported by PM Working.
Our Commitment
We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best talent and building an inclusive, fair and supportive workplace. We value the strength that comes from different experiences and strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates across jurisdictions. If you require reasonable adjustments, we will work with you to identify a suitable approach.
How To Apply
Applications are accepted via our recruitment portal only.
For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact our in-house Talent Acquisition Advisor, Jules Grieve:
- LinkedIn: Jules Grieve | LinkedIn
- Email: jules.grieve@pinsentmasons.com
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