Associate (Litigation - Employment)

WithersWorldwide

Practice Group: Litigation – Employment 

Job title: Associate 

Location: Singapore

About Withers KhattarWong LLP

Withers KhattarWong LLP is amongst the largest international law firm in Singapore.  We are a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in 18 offices. 

Our broad global platform allows us to guide clients through the legal challenges inherent in the ever-changing international landscape. As our client, you will receive quality advice on diverse legal and tax issues through the services of one law firm with a single communication. 

Internationally, we have made a reputation for ourselves as the leading law firm for private capital; our clients include public and private companies founded by successful families, MNCs, financial institutions, international brands, family offices and HNWIs, charities and not-for-profit organisations, amongst others. We pride ourselves for our role in helping our clients achieve success.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to hire an Associate to join the Withers Singapore litigation team. The ideal candidate will have worked in a litigation team and have experience with general litigation work. The role will at times be demanding and fast paced so you will need to be an efficient worker who can prioritise, multi-task and remain calm under pressure. 

Areas of focus and responsibilities

The role is focused on advising and assisting an exceptional client base of private and public companies, entrepreneurs and their families and family offices. The role will involve:

• Advising both employers and employees on high-value and complex employment related matters
• Working on contentious and non-contentious employment matters
• Non-contentious matters would include the drafting and reviewing entire suite of employment documents which cover an employee's life cycle (eg: offer letter, employment contract, salary increment/promotion letters, employee stock option plans, warning letters, termination letters, separation agreements, etc), drafting and reviewing employment handbook and policies including grievance procedures, whistleblowing and anti-retaliation policies, remote work policies, etc.
• Advising C-suites and senior executives by reviewing offer letters and employment documents extended to them at the pre-employment stage, as well as reviewing exit packages that may be extended to them at the end of their employment.
• Contentious matters would include any disputes and claims that may arise from contractual documents, including the enforcement/defending against the enforcement of post-termination restraints, breaches of confidentiality, non-payment of contractual entitlements and commencing/defending against wrongful termination claims.
• Conducting investigations, including providing advice to companies that are conducting internal investigations, or being appointed by companies as an external third-party investigator. Alternatively, we also often advise C-suites and other senior executives in respect of investigations that may be convened against them, helping them to achieve the best possible outcome and negotiating a favourable exit from the company, if applicable.
• We have a unique sub-practice which entails advising on and specialising in harassment and sexual harassment claims, including representing claimants in mediation and/or advising employers in carrying out a proper investigation into such claims.
• Drafting articles on frontier employment issues, and providing timely updates on key employment developments to clients
• Drafting thought leadership articles in mainstream newspapers/media
• Working in a team of lawyers of diverse background and expertise.

Given our multi-disciplinary approach in providing our clients with solutions, you will also get to collaborate with colleagues with an exceptional wealth of experience both in the Singapore office and other offices, and other practice groups.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and, as such, the role may include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Skills and Experience

• 1.5-2.5 years PQE
• Litigation experience (employment experience nice to have but not a must)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High level of attention to detail
• Analytical, organised and can demonstrate initiative
• Able to work as part of a dynamic team and also independently
• Proficient in PC skills e.g., Word, Excel etc

About WithersWorldwide

Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for 125 years.  We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot.  We have represented 66% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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