Job Description

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Description

Are you an experienced Litigation and Dispute Resolution Knowledge Development Lawyer/PSL, or a proactive and enthusiastic Commercial Litigator looking for a new career move? Do you have a passion for adding real value through the generation and transfer of knowledge? Litigation and Dispute Resolution cover a wide range of matters including international arbitration; commercial litigation; adjudication; alternative dispute resolution; and litigation funding. As the Knowledge Development Lawyer, you will be an integral part of the team.

The successful candidate will be joining an established Knowledge function sitting within our Knowledge Management team where you will work closely with stakeholders across the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team to progress an effective knowledge-sharing culture. We are looking for someone to work full-time or part-time 4 days a week.

The Team

Our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team is a national team with a huge reputation for complex and high value litigation. Clients receive an experienced partner led service supported by a team of talented legal directors, associates and solicitors well known for handling the full range of contractual, commercial and corporate disputes across a broad spectrum of industries including banking and finance, manufacturing and distribution, IT, higher education and energy.

We have experience in international arbitration and ADR and are instructed on cases issued in all levels of the courts and in most arbitral forums. The breadth of matters handled is diverse ranging from general commercial claims to insolvency and corporate disputes, disputes concerning fiduciary duties, contractual disputes, agency and shareholder disputes, breach of sale and purchase agreements, and warranty and indemnity claims as well as professional negligence disputes, financial services disputes, and claims relating to fraud and bribery and conspiracy.

The team is spread across five offices in the Midlands and London.###

What you will be doing:

The Litigation and Dispute Resolution Knowledge Development Lawyer will provide support to the team in these key areas:

Know-How Support and Development

Working closely with and providing guidance to the Litigation and Dispute Resolution senior leadership team to develop practice and sector-specific knowledge. Keeping on top of all changes to legislation, civil procedure rules and case law that might affect the teams work for clients and disseminating these to the team through updates and training. Supporting the fee earners' client work with technical legal knowhow, tactical advice and practical application of the law to their matter. Developing and keeping updated team know-how resources such as precedents and checklists (in respect of best practice and changes of law).

Business Development & Client Services

Supporting and driving business development initiatives including the launch of products to market for clients. Liaising with fee earners and contributing as required to the production of articles, case studies, briefings, newsletters or other materials for circulation to clients or to be published. Keeping the team up to date on competitors' offerings and assisting in research required by the team for client delivery and new client opportunities.

Internal Training

Identifying training priorities and undertaking relevant training sessions with the team on changes to law, practice and precedents. Identifying and arranging internal and external speakers to deliver specialist training topics.

Innovation/Business Efficiency

Identify business and client needs for legal technology or other tools to provide cost-effective solutions. Supporting standardisation of documents via precedents and clause banks playing a key role in the document automation of chosen precedents or tasks. Developing and keeping updated team know-how resources such as precedents and checklists (in respect of best practice and changes of law).


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What you will need:

Ideally, you would currently be a fee earner with at least 6+ years PQE at an equally reputable firm with a keen interest in transitioning into a Knowledge Lawyer/PSL role. Previous Knowledge Lawyer/PSL experience would be an advantage but not strictly necessary. Technical experience handing high quality dispute resolution work is essential, as is a solid understanding of and interest in knowledge management. Arbitration and advocacy experience (as fee earner or PSL) would be beneficial. The ability to digest, analyse and succinctly communicate complex issues with clarity to both internal and external clients. Commercial awareness and enthusiasm about business development. First class drafting and communication skills. Experience developing and delivering client and / or in-house training. Highly IT literate, confident user of MS Office and legal and business information systems with experience of SharePoint or similar platforms. Interest in or experience of legal technology, including document automation, AI based tools (e.g. Luminance), e-signatures (e.g. Docusign) and extranet sites (e.g. HighQ Collaborate).



Please note that where a level of preferred experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and does not preclude applications from candidates with less or more experience.

Key competencies you will need:

The ability to respond promptly to requests for work including research, expertise, training materials and other information. To be highly organised, with sound judgment and attention to detail. To be self-initiating and take a pro-active approach towards projects; seek direction and advice as needed but also prepared to take ownership and progress tasks independently. The ability to communicate effectively and clearly in a multi-cultural environment. Credibility, and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Confidence to work within virtual team setting. A strong understanding and ability to promote connections between other business units.


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Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.

We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we're keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.

We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford upon Avon, Sheffield and in the South; Crawley, East Grinstead, Lewes, Brighton, Eastbourne, Seaford, Peacehaven, Storrington, Chichester & Southampton as well as our Scotland office located in Edinburgh.

Additional information

Want to find more about our amazing benefits ?

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Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.


Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.

Equal opportunities

Ampa Group is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.###

About Shakespeare Martineau

Welcome to Shakespeare Martineau, where we're more than just a full-service law firm. With over 1100 specialists, including lawyers and business support professionals, we're committed to unlocking potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth, and development.

Our purpose is clear: we provide creative solutions and advice that help individuals and businesses achieve their commercial and personal goals. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on building lasting relationships and championing our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible business and personal advice.

At Shakespeare Martineau, it's our people who make us special. We understand what our team members want and give them the support they need to succeed. Recognising everyone's contribution and harnessing the unique power of teams, we work together to achieve success.

Diversity is at the heart of our firm. We actively build and develop diverse teams, bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We believe in playing to our strengths, constantly striving to improve, and empowering our teams with individual responsibility for their own learning and growth.

Join us at Shakespeare Martineau and become a valued member of a team where we unlock your potential, appreciate your contributions, and achieve success together.

As part of

Ampa

, we are part of a large multi-brand group, all of our brands are linked by a shared purpose and set of values that brings about a positive, inclusive and diverse work culture - helping everyone achieve their ambitions.