Group Actions and Competition (Non-Contentious) - Associate

We are currently seeking an enterprising Associate with extensive UK and EU competition law experience to join our Competition team, who enjoys leading on cases and driving forward business development ideas. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in the areas set out below:

• Merger control and foreign direct investment rules (especially the National Security and Investment Act);
• Cartel and abuse of dominance investigations;
• Dawn raids and competition law compliance;
• Market studies and investigations; and
• State aid and subsidy control, including the EU Foreign Subsidy Regulation (ideally but not a requirement)
Furthermore, the perfect candidate will be interested in or have worked in CMA consumer protection cases. We see consumer protection as an area of great expansion in the competition world and are looking for an ambitious associate to help us grow this area of the practice. The wider corporate department runs regular legal training sessions covering the core practice areas listed above as well as associate development centres focusing on 'soft' skills and BD. The ongoing support and development of our associates is regarded as essential to our future growth and success.Main Responsibilities
• Clear, concise and unambiguous preparation and drafting of competition documentation
• Conducting legal research using internal and external knowledge management resources
• Assisting in the preparation of legal articles
• Liaising with clients under the supervision of a partner
• Developing own informal internal and external network of contacts
• Building excellent working relationships with clients and peers within Stephenson Harwood
• Attending business development and profile-raising events (client seminars, graduate recruitment activities)
Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.


• EEA qualified would be desirable
• Ability to acquire, consolidate and apply fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of the law
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and numerical communication skills
• Organised and able to work to strict deadlines with the ability to prioritise realistically
• Good housekeeping/file management practices; manages and records time promptly and accurately
• Resilient with the ability to handle setbacks and pressure
• A self-starter, able to work alone and within a small team
• Ambitious, keen to work in a developing department
• Cooperative and collaborative in approach and is able to develop excellent working relationships at all levels and roles
• Ability to operate professionally and proactively at all times
• An active participant in self-development
• Commercial awareness
• Exhibits an understanding of the Firm's position in the market and how it distinguishes its services from its competitors
• Excellent academic and professional qualification
  
  With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.
Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects. We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world. We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics. Our values: Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions. Our vision into 2026 To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships. This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character - the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams. A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees. What you can expect:
• A Competitive salary and a host of family friendly policies
• Life assurance, private health and dental care for you and your family
• A range of flexible benefits including gym discount and retail vouchers
• Tech, cycle and electric car schemes
• The opportunity to support the firm's charity through volunteering leave
• A wellbeing strategy that focuses on preventative measures to maintain overall health, and tools and support for when we experience physical or mental difficulties. The strategy focuses on four pillars: physical, emotional, financial and social aspects.