Job Description

Overview

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is seeking a strong 3 years + Associate to join its Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Birmingham. Opened in [2019] the office has expanded rapidly with this role reflecting the increase in demand. You will join an entrepreneurial office with a drive to establish itself in the market supported by an established firm that prides itself on its culture and working environment. This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of complex and high‑value commercial disputes for a diverse client base, collaborating closely with partners and colleagues across the firm’s national disputes practice.

The successful candidate will be a self-driven and ambitious individual looking to start developing their own practice within a supportive and collegiate team environment alongside taking responsibility for the progression of matters, maintaining regular client contact and also producing technical content reflecting their expertise.

Responsibilities

• Advising clients on a wide range of commercial disputes, including contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence claims, and business torts
• Managing matters from inception to resolution, including pre‑action advice, pleadings, disclosure, interim applications, trial preparation, and settlement
• Acting on Court litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution
• Drafting legal documents
• Instructing and liaising with counsel and other external advisers
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships, acting as a key point of contact on matters
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and trainees where appropriate
• Supporting business development initiatives

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• Essential
• Desirable
• Optional
• The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for up to 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.
• At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.
• We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Emily.Green@penningtonslaw.com
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with at least 3 years post qualification experience
• Demonstrate involvement in business development including building their own network and supporting existing client relationships
• Solid technical litigation experience with the ability to manage matters with an appropriate degree of autonomy
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills
• Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach
• Confidence in dealing directly with clients and building trusted relationships whilst being adaptable to the individual client's needs
• Ability to manage multiple matters effectively and meet deadlines
• Interest in business development and practice growth
• Experience of ADR
• Exposure of complex or multi‑party disputes
• Experience supervising junior team members
• Specialisms in Restructuring & Insolvency; Fraud; Cross-border litigation; Arbitration; Corporate Litigation