Associate or Senior Associate, International Arbitration

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an Associate or Senior Associate (2–6 PQE) to join our International Arbitration team in London. This is an exciting opportunity to join a market-leading practice with a strong pipeline of high‑value, complex arbitration work across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in international arbitration with a key focus on public international law (‘PIL’) and investor–state treaty arbitration. We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience and interest in this area who is keen to deepen their expertise in a team recognised for handling some of the most challenging and strategically significant disputes in the market.

You will be part of an international group, offering exposure to major cross‑border matters, collaboration with colleagues around the world, and direct engagement with governments, state entities and multinational corporates.

This is a superb opportunity for an ambitious lawyer looking to build a career in arbitration at a truly global level.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Act on complex, high‑value investor–state arbitrations, public international law, and commercial arbitration matters.
• Work on disputes arising under bilateral/multilateral investment treaties, state contracts and public international law frameworks.
• Assist with or lead (depending on level) arbitration proceedings under ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and other institutional rules.
• Draft memorials, submissions, witness statements, expert instructions and procedural documentation.
• Conduct detailed international law research, including state responsibility, treaty interpretation, jurisdictional issues and enforcement.
• Support case strategy and procedural planning alongside senior team members.
• Coordinate with international offices, local counsel, experts and clients across multiple jurisdictions.
• Participate in hearings, case management conferences and procedural applications.
• Contribute to business development, thought leadership and client-facing initiatives related to arbitration and PIL.

Skills and experience

We are looking for:

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 2-6 years’ post-qualification experience, with a focus on arbitration or complex disputes
• Demonstrable experience in public international law and investor–state arbitration
• Experience acting in proceedings under ICSID, UNCITRAL or similar rules.
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Clear, structured drafting ability
• Experience managing workstreams and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative, proactive approach and willingness to engage with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions

At Senior Associate (4-6 PQE) level, we are looking for the following additional skills:

• Experience with conducting advocacy.
• Experience running discrete workstreams with minimal supervision.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members.
• Comfortable taking a visible role in business development or thought leadership.

What’s in it for you?

At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together.

We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process.

We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.

For you,

For your success.

And what's next.