Litigation Associate - Consumer & ESG Mass Claims

About the role

Freshfields is looking for a Litigation Associate to join its Consumer & ESG Mass Claims group within the Dispute Resolution practice, based in London. The team handles litigation in the UK High Court and internationally, often coordinating global defences and group litigation, and covers ESG, product liability, consumer protection, tech and life sciences mandates. It is known for leading defence-side ESG group litigation and for its product liability practice, which is Band 1 ranked by Chambers.

Key responsibilities

• Draft complex witness statements, expert reports and pleadings, and run project processes on significant cases, aiming to become the lead associate.
• Develop litigation skills, procedural and substantive, working closely with leading barristers and expert witnesses.
• Draft letters and emails to clients and opposing parties, and run document reviews and disclosure projects.
• Attend mediation and settlement discussions and draft settlement agreements.
• Learn key regulatory frameworks and assist clients in engaging with regulators, and help them challenge regulatory decisions by judicial review.
• Work on business development ideas and plans, and take part in client and associate training seminars.
• Mentor junior associates and trainees, delegate to them and build a profile with partners and clients, including producing external-facing content.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction, ideally 2-4 PQE.
• Strong technical and commercial abilities, with top-class academic results.
• A tenacious, proactive approach to client work and business development, including confidence in using approved AI tools and supervising others who use them.
• Ability to take on a high degree of responsibility, manage a challenging workload and work effectively as part of a team.
• Highly effective oral and written communicator.