The Team
The practice brings together a unique blend of aviation, defence, and commercial disputes work across three interconnected areas. A significant part of the team’s focus is on bulk consumer aviation claims, managing high‑volume litigation and adjudication under UK261 / EC261 regulations, as well as complex or sensitive matters requiring bespoke handling. Alongside this, the practice has a growing presence in the defence sector, drawing on deep military and security expertise to support clients operating within an environment of increasing investment and rapidly evolving capability requirements, particularly in light of anticipated legislative developments such as the Defence Readiness Bill expected in 2027. The team also undertakes a broad range of general commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular strength in aviation‑related disputes and cross‑border issues. With strong sector relationships, specialist knowledge, and extensive veteran and reservist networks, the practice is well positioned for continued growth and development across all three areas.
The Role
As a Senior Associate, you will play a key role across all three pillars of the practice, leading complex matters while supporting the ongoing development and strategic growth of the team. The role offers exposure to high‑profile disputes, cross‑sector advisory work, and the opportunity to influence the direction of an evolving practice operating across aviation, defence and commercial sectors.
You will manage your own caseload, supervise more junior lawyers where appropriate, develop strong client relationships, and contribute actively to business development initiatives.
Hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on business need and can be discussed as part of the interview process.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will:
- Lead on bulk consumer aviation claims and support the delivery of high‑volume litigation projects
- Manage complex or sensitive consumer claims requiring bespoke strategic handling
- Provide and support strategic advice to key aviation clients
- Contribute to defence‑sector matters, including work requiring understanding of security‑sensitive environments
- Act on a broad range of commercial litigation and arbitration matters
- Deliver commercially focused, pragmatic advice to major clients
- Play an active role in business development, leveraging both sector and personal networks
- Support collaboration across disputes, aviation, defence and wider teams
- Supervise and mentor junior colleagues, contributing to their development
Essential Skills & Experience
We are looking for a highly motivated and commercially minded Senior Associate with:
- Strong experience in litigation, arbitration or commercial disputes
- Confidence managing complex cases and handling both volume and bespoke workstreams
- Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
- Ability to build strong, lasting client relationships
- A proactive, collaborative approach to working within a growing and ambitious team
- Interest in one or more of the team’s core areas: aviation, defence or commercial litigation
- Commitment to Clyde & Co’s values of excellence, collaboration and innovation
The Firm
When you work at Clyde & Co, you join a team of 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. Our values are the principles that guide the decisions we make, unite us in our endeavours and strengthen our delivery, for both our clients and our firm. We work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. We are committed to operating in a responsible way by progressing towards a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and clients it serves. We are devoted to providing an environment in which everyone can realise their potential, using its legal and professional skills to support its communities. We do this through pro bono work, volunteering and charitable partnerships, and minimising the impact it has on the environment, including through our commitment to the SBTi Net-Zero standard and the setting of ambitious emissions reduction targets.
Our Commitment
Clyde & Co is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our values encourage us to support fairness, celebrate diversity and prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace to allow everyone to excel at work. Therefore, we welcome and encourage all applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity. Learn more about our interview process.
A Note on Privacy
Please take a moment to read our privacy notice.. This describes what personal information Clyde & Co (we) may hold about you, what it’s used for, how it’s obtained, your rights and how to contact us as a data subject.
If you are submitting a candidate as a Recruitment Agency Partner, it is an essential requirement and your responsibility to ensure that candidates applying to Clyde & Co are aware of this privacy notice.
This is the job description as constituted at present; however, Clyde & Co reserves the right to reasonably amend it in accordance with the changing needs of the business.
