International Arbitration Partner

William James Recruitment is instructed on a strategic opportunity for a Partner to join the International Arbitration practice of a leading UK law firm.

This is a key lateral hire, offering the opportunity to play a central role in the continued growth and development of an established arbitration offering. The role provides access to high-value, complex international disputes across a diverse range of sectors and jurisdictions.

The successful candidate will work closely with a highly experienced arbitration lead and a well-integrated disputes team, with the platform and support to further develop their practice.

The Firm & Team

The firm is a full-service UK law firm with a strong national presence and growing international reach, recognised for its commercial approach and sector expertise.

Its International Arbitration practice is led by a highly experienced partner specialising in international commercial and investment arbitration, as well as award enforcement. The team is known for advising on complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes and benefits from strong integration with the wider disputes offering.

The practice covers a broad range of sectors, including joint ventures, renewable energy, construction, life sciences, technology, project finance, and oil and gas. The wider team collaborates closely across litigation, regulatory, and investigations work, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to complex international matters.

The Role & Candidate

The successful candidate will take a leading role in the development and expansion of the international arbitration practice, acting as both a practitioner and strategic leader within the team.

You will lead and develop an international arbitration practice, with a focus on business generation and market presence

• Act on complex international commercial and investment arbitration matters
• Advise on enforcement of arbitral awards across multiple jurisdictions
• Handle disputes across key sectors, including energy, construction, and infrastructure
• Work closely with the wider disputes and sector teams on cross-border matters
• Play a key role in originating and developing new client relationships
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the arbitration offering
• Mentor and develop junior lawyers within the team
• Build and maintain a strong international network
• Entrepreneurial and growth-focused environment
• Collaborative and supportive partnership structure
• Strong integration across practice areas and sectors
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Flexible and modern working practices
• Clear strategic investment in disputes and arbitration
• Strong platform for practice growth and development
• Access to high-quality domestic and international work
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the practice