Aviation Disputes Associate / Senior Associate

Aviation Disputes Associate / Senior Associate - 3-8pqe

A leading international law firm is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded aviation disputes lawyer to join its highly regarded Aviation Disputes Group. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented litigator with aviation sector expertise to become part of one of the market's most respected aviation disputes teams.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will join a team recognised across the aviation industry for handling complex, high-value litigation and arbitration matters. The practice has been involved in some of the most significant aviation disputes in the UK and internationally, acting for airlines, aircraft lessors, financiers, owners and other key industry participants.

The role offers exposure to a diverse range of contentious and regulatory aviation matters, including cross-border disputes, international arbitrations, regulatory investigations, and compliance issues involving UK, European and international aviation law.

This position would suit a driven lawyer looking to take on significant responsibility, work closely with major industry clients, and play a key role in the continued growth of an established and expanding practice.

Key Responsibilities

The role will involve responsibility for the management and progression of complex disputes, including:

• Managing cases from inception through to resolution.
• Advising clients on contentious and regulatory aviation matters.
• Handling complex instructions and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Delivering commercially focused legal advice tailored to client objectives.
• Drafting witness statements, pleadings, submissions and arbitration documents.
• Preparing correspondence and managing communications with counterparties.
• Conducting legal and procedural research and preparing written advice.
• Attending hearings, arbitrations, court proceedings and client meetings.
• Managing legal projects efficiently and profitably.
• Supervising, mentoring and supporting the development of junior lawyers.
• Building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients.

Business Development

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the growth of the practice through:

• Preparing legal updates, articles and thought leadership content.
• Developing and maintaining professional networks.
• Participating in client events, conferences, seminars and networking activities.
• Supporting business development initiatives and identifying opportunities for new work.

Candidate Requirements

Applications are welcomed from qualified lawyers with:

• Strong litigation and/or arbitration experience, ideally gained within the aviation sector.
• Experience advising airlines, aircraft owners, lessors, financiers or other aviation industry stakeholders.
• A proven ability to manage matters independently while delivering excellent client service.
• Knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks, including UK and European aviation legislation and international conventions.
• Strong technical legal skills combined with sound commercial judgement.
• Experience managing client relationships and contributing to business development activities.
• An established professional network and market profile would be advantageous.
• Financial and commercial awareness, including experience managing matter profitability.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong academic credentials and professional qualifications.
• A proactive and resilient approach, with a genuine interest in developing a long-term aviation disputes practice.

Salary & Benefits

The firm offers a highly competitive remuneration package together with a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• Competitive base salary and performance-related rewards.
• Private medical and dental insurance.
• Life assurance cover.
• Flexible benefits package, including retail and lifestyle discounts.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Paid volunteering leave to support charitable causes.
• A comprehensive wellbeing programme focused on physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.

About the Firm

The firm is a well-established international practice with a strong reputation across a number of key sectors, including Transportation & Trade, Technology, Private Capital, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Energy Transition.

With more than 1,500 professionals and over 230 partners across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the firm advises a broad range of listed and private companies, financial institutions and individuals on complex domestic and cross-border matters.

Its international platform, sector-focused approach and collaborative culture have helped establish it as a trusted adviser to clients operating in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The firm is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.