Shakespeare Martineau
NQ - Disputes Resolution

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Job Overview
Our London Dispute Resolution team has established itself as a formidable force in the market, distinguished by its rare combination of international disputes capability, sector-led expertise and a fast-growing practice spanning commercial litigation and arbitration, public law and group actions. Based in The Shard, the team operates at the intersection of disciplines often treated separately, delivering integrated, cross-practice solutions to complex, high-stakes disputes.
The team handles a diverse and sophisticated portfolio of work, ranging from high-value commercial disputes and complex cross-border litigation to high-profile judicial review proceedings and coordinated group actions. We act for a high-calibre and diverse client base, including sovereign states, global banks, financial institutions, energy companies, multinational corporates, family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and trade unions. The team is regularly instructed against larger international and premium law firms, demonstrating both the quality and sophistication of its work. We now have an exciting opportunity for a NQ-1 PQE Solicitor to join and be an integral part of this high-performing team. This role offers the chance to work closely with experienced lawyers on high-quality matters, while developing your own caseload and building strong client relationships from the outset of your career.
What you will be doing
- Working alongside experienced partners and senior lawyers to support a wide range of complex commercial disputes, including cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters
- Assisting on high-value and high-profile litigation and arbitration matters, with appropriate supervision
- Managing your own caseload of more straightforward matters as you develop
- Handling client and internal enquiries efficiently and professionally
- Liaising directly with clients and other stakeholders
- Working effectively to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment, including on urgent injunctive relief and time-sensitive matters
- Involvement with business development opportunities
- Supporting international practice on cross-border disputes
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.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
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 you will need
- A qualified (or soon to be qualified) Solicitor, or up to 1 year PQE, with a strong academic background
- Experience of working in a litigation or dispute resolution-focused role – at least 1 seat in a training contract, or post-qualification experience
- Genuine desire to specialise and develop expertise in commercial disputes, with an interest in international and cross-border work
- High levels of initiative and the ability to thrive in a demanding environment
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skill
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a busy team
- A strong client-focused mindset, with a commitment to building lasting relationships
Benefits, Agile Working and Additional Information
We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.
We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.
We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.
Want to find out more about our amazing benefits?
Additional Information
Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.


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Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.
Equal Opportunities
Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
About Shakespeare Martineau
Shakespeare Martineau is part of Ampa Group, a leading house of brands in legal and professional services. Ampa Group brings together complementary firms - including Lime Solicitors, Mayo Wynne Baxter, Marrons and others - connected by shared values and a modern, people-first culture.
As a group, we’re focused on unlocking potential. We believe in the power of &: corporate & human, purposeful & profitable, ambitious & inclusive. Ampa Group provides the shared infrastructure, development programmes, culture, values and empowered working framework that enable our brands, and our people, to thrive.
For you, that means access to award-winning learning, flexibility built on trust, and opportunities to collaborate across a diverse network of specialists.
Shakespeare Martineau remains its own distinctive brand with its own clients and markets. Ampa Group gives our people the strength of the group and the freedom to grow their careers in the way that works for them.
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