Commercial Litigation Associate

London – £120,000 - £160,000

This is one of London’s most highly regarded litigation boutiques. A disputes-only firm known for its elite-level representation of high-net-worth individuals, international corporates, and financial institutions. They consistently act on complex, high-value cases that attract the attention of top-tier Magic Circle and US firms, and often outmatch them. The firm is lean by design, avoiding the bureaucracy of larger firms and offering associates a seat at the strategic table from the outset.
  
You’ll join a genuinely collegiate, tight-knit team of trial-ready litigators with a sharp commercial edge. The partners are known for mentoring, transparency, and giving early responsibility to those who show initiative. It’s an environment where quality matters more than billable hours, and where career progression is based on merit, not politics.
    

• No siloed teams — associates are trusted with advocacy preparation, strategic thinking, and direct client exposure early on
• Mentorship from partners who are leaders in their field, many of whom have trained or practiced at Magic Circle or top-tier litigation firms
• Clear partnership track for high performers. The firm has a strong record of internal progression

  
  
Types of Matters
The team is routinely instructed on:

• High-value fraud litigation with urgent interim relief (including worldwide freezing and proprietary injunctions)
• Cross-border commercial disputes involving multiple jurisdictions
• Banking, fintech, and structured finance litigation
• Complex shareholder, joint venture, and partnership disputes
• International arbitration under LCIA, ICC, and UNCITRAL rules

  
Ideal Candidate Profile
You’ll likely be:

• 4–8 PQE with strong commercial litigation experience from a top international firm or highly regarded boutique
• Experienced in running or co-running large disputes, including drafting statements of case, managing disclosure, and coordinating advocacy
• Academically strong (Oxbridge or similar calibre) with a strong grounding in commercial law and litigation strategy
• Ambitious, collaborative, and eager to play a key role in a lean, elite practice

The firm offers top-of-market base salaries for boutique practices, with a performance-led bonus structure that often exceeds 30% of base for high performers. Combined packages are highly competitive with large international firms, but with a better work/life balance and fewer internal politics.

For more information, please reach out to dalton@douglas-scott.co.uk