The opportunity

Bird & Bird's rapidly growing Competition, Trade and Public Affairs team in Brussels is looking to recruit an experienced associate with experience in EU trade law.

The firm

Bird & Bird opens up a world of possibilities for lawyers. Here you can advise major enterprises and high-growth businesses on matters that are often transformative in nature, and alongside people who are truly collegiate in the way they work with everyone at Bird & Bird. We are one international firm, where over 70% of our work involves teams from across our firm. And that is only going to increase. It is this common purpose and shared approach that makes Bird & Bird an inspiring and collaborative place to work.

Our promise

Bird & Bird is committed to maintaining an inclusive working environment and we are an equal opportunities employer. We will actively support and supervise your professional development. For those with the necessary energy and ability, we will ensure that the firm is a first-class platform on which you can develop into an industry leader. We support an agile working environment and are happy to discuss flexible working.

The team and your role

Our Brussels Competition, Trade and Public Affairs practice provides clients with all-round EU law and Public Affairs support in complex matters.

As a member of our team, you'll focus on helping clients navigate the complexity of international trade law, particularly when it comes high-profile anti-dumping and anti-subsidy procedures, trade litigation before the EU courts and advisory work for multi-national clients.

You may also get involved in competition law work and deal with high-profile matters in all fields of EU and national competition law including cartels, abusive conduct, merger control and State aid. The team also has vast experience in EU litigation and is currently handling several high-profile assignments before the European Commission and the European courts and various national authorities. Experience in EU competition law is therefore an advantage, but not required for this role.

Our Brussels office brings together 65 team members from 10 different countries.

Bird & Bird's ‎Competition & EU Law Group counts more than 50 specialist competition lawyers across our 31 offices.

In line with the firm's focus on industries shaped by technology and digital markets, our team has significant expertise in sectors including technology, communications, IT, aviation, automotive, electronics‎, energy and many others.

What you'll do

• You will handle trade cases across a broad range of sectors of industry;
• You will work for international clients and enjoy challenging work from day one;
• You will be given responsibility and have direct client contact;
• You will be part of a team that enjoys working together, and you will get training and feedback from experienced colleagues;
• You will have an opportunity to develop your legal, business and interpersonal skills, and build your career within the firm;
• You will work in a friendly, inclusive environment;
• You will benefit from an agile working environment where you can balance your time working in the office and at home; and
• You will have an opportunity to participate in various social activities and events of our Brussels office and internationally.

About you

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• 5 - 8 years experience in EU trade law with a proven track record of heaving dealt with several EU anti-dumping/anti-subsidy cases; experience in competition law is in advantage;
• Obtained excellent results during your studies in EU law, an LL.M. is an advantage;
• An excellent command of English, both orally and in writing;
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail as well as the ability to provide clear, precise and practical advice that helps clients in their day-to-day business;
• A strong appetite for business development activities; and
• An interest in working in a team environment with an open, informal and entrepreneurial culture.

Take the next step

If you think you are the right fit for our team in Brussels, please send your CV, motivation letter and transcripts to brurecruitment@twobirds.com .

Learn more about our firm at www.twobirds.com. You can find the latest updates from our team on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bird-&-bird-llp/.

For any questions or if you would like more information, please contact our HR manager Anneke Vermeir on annv@twobirds.com .