Regulation and Trade Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills

The Opportunity

The Role

Our Regulation and Trade team is consistently rated as one of the leading practices in its field, with a team of lawyers based in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia. Amongst our clients are leading financial institutions, top Fortune and FTSE companies from all industry sectors, regulatory bodies and national governments.

This role is focussed on EU regulatory matters and related investigations / EU litigation but the successful applicant will have an opportunity to work on EU trade related matters.

Primary objectives

Contribute to excellent client service and perform fee-earning work under supervision.
Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
Build on legal and commercial knowledge in chosen practice area.
Cultivate relationships with current client contacts and be a direct point of contact.

Key responsibilities

Practice area – EU Regulation and Trade

Recent Matters

Advising numerous clients in relation to the new suite of EU tech regulation, including the DSA, the AI Act and the eIDAS Regulation on digital identity and representing clients in related investigations by EU authorities.
Assisting companies in devising comprehensive compliance programmes in relation to the EU AI Act.
Advising various clients in relation to the new consumer protection framework in relation to so-called green claims and representing clients in investigations undertaken by EU consumer authorities in relation to marketing claims.
Assisting clients in assessing EU regulatory proposals across a variety of sectors and in responding to consultations and their engagement with EU regulatory authorities.
Acting for Acquind and British American Tobacco in the context of regulatory challenges before the EU Court of Justice.
Advising various clients on applicable UK and EU customs regulations.
Acting for various clients in trade-defence investigations, including in relation to MEG, PVC, steel, tracks.

Qualifications, skills and experience

We would expect the successful candidate to have had between three and seven years of post-qualified experience in a strong EU regulatory practice. We are however open to considering candidates with more or less experience.
Academic excellence is essential for all positions within Herbert Smith Freehills. All applications should include full academic details including grades, subjects and transcripts where appropriate.
Candidates will need to be bright self-starters looking for a challenge. All candidates will be expected to display excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with individuals at all levels.
Strong legal skills, including complex drafting, negotiation and project management skills; good people management and business development skills.
Full understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to manage costs and budgets.

Competencies

Personal leadership

Embraces challenge and finds opportunities to develop and sustain themselves

Technical capability

Deepens legal knowledge and insight, applying it with judgement and clarity

Contributes to the success of others

Volunteers, assists others and contributes to positive team spirit

Supports the delivery of outcomes

Contributes to the smooth and effective running of matters

Enhances the client experience

Helps to create a positive working relationship with clients

Contributes to building the firm

Builds and innovates for the firm’s future

Team

Competition, Regulation & Trade

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Brussels

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.