The Department and Role Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for a junior associate (2-4 years’ experience in commercial litigation and/or employment) to join one of the leading dispute resolution and employment law teams in Singapore, one that gives pragmatic, commercial advice in a business friendly way. The successful candidate will be expected to support our commercial dispute resolution and employment law teams, advising on litigation, international arbitration, employment and labour law issues (both contentious and non-contentious) across a broad range of sectors, including technology, media, insurance, banking & finance, retail, shipping and trade and commodities. Our commercial dispute resolution and employment practice in Singapore has developed an enviable reputation in the Singapore market as the "go-to" firm of choice for dispute and employment related matters, attracting prominent clients from various industry sectors. Our team offers a broad range of expertise, with deep knowledge of local and regional issues in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution along with employment. With an impressive client roster which includes both domestic and multinational companies, we often act as both local and international counsel for our clients operating across the Asia-Pacific region. By combining our substantial global resources and a market-leading local presence in Singapore, we are able to provide a truly international and unique service offering with local market knowledge.
The Firm
Since 1 September 2017, CMS operates in a formal law alliance (FLA) between its Singapore office and Singapore law practice Holborn Law LLC. The FLA, which has received approval from the Legal Services Regulatory Authority of Singapore, operates as CMS Holborn Asia. The FLA allows us to provide the full spectrum of local and international legal services from one platform, with Singapore law advice and litigation representation provided by Holborn Law.
With more than 80 offices in over 40 countries and 5,800+ lawyers worldwide, CMS is a truly ‘future facing’ top ten global law firm offering deep local market understanding with a global perspective. This gives us the ability not only to see what’s coming but to help shape it.
We are focused on building strong relationships with our clients, our people, our industry sectors and wider communities.
As a future facing firm we take a bold, dynamic and agile approach to help clients of every size face the future with confidence. We have an immense depth of understanding of the sectors in which we operate. Our lawyers are genuine experts in their fields and are able to advise on current challenges as well as anticipate those on the horizon that are likely to shape the future. We want to ensure that we build a culture of trust, respect and support embracing all aspects of diversity and inclusion, leading the legal sector in social impact and sustainability. Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.
In Singapore, we are a full service office servicing the Asia Pacific region. We act across all stages of our clients’ projects and investment lifecycle providing legal expertise in transactional, commercial, regulatory, insurance, dispute resolution and employment advice. Our Singapore based lawyers are qualified across the UK, Singapore, the US, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Many also have native bilingual proficiency in many languages, including Malay, Indonesian, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Mandarin and Tamil.
We see ourselves as more than just legal advisers. We’re here to partner with our clients. To not only resolve current issues but anticipate future challenges and provide innovative solutions to meet these.
Responsibilities
Associates work in a collegiate environment, in a team and can expect a good variety of work. Developing relationships with clients including gaining a good knowledge of the client’s businesses, economic drivers, market and sector requirements in order to ensure advice is relevant and commercial . Associates are given regular and direct contact with clients, with a culture based on associates being given the level of responsibility they are ready for, rather than a PQE based method of work allocation. Engaging in business development activities and being active in the promotion of the firm and seeking opportunities for new work. Working as part of a team including assisting with the supervision of junior lawyers’ work, and taking an active part in sharing knowledge and experience with the team. There are regular opportunities for secondments with clients.
Job Holder Requirements
We are looking for candidates who will be able to demonstrate all or the majority of the following:
- 2-4 years’ experience in commercial litigation and/or employment
- Singapore qualified with excellent academics credentials
· Relevant experience in a top tier or leading international firm preferred
· Keenness to be involved in a good variety of work across commercial litigation and employment
- First rate technical and analytical skills
· Commerciality and demonstrable business development experience
· Excellent written communication and drafting skills
· Initiative and proactivity
· Strong client service orientation
· Ability to develop strong relationships with clients and keenness to eventually take responsibility for this relationship
· High work standards and strong attention to detail
· Flexible work practices
· Outstanding communication skills and the ability to adapt style as required
· Ability to work well in both a team (including across our offices internationally) and individually
· A willingness to learn
