Art Law Associate (2-5 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

The Role 

This role will be based in London and work closely with Sarah Barker, Head of Art Law, and other global art law colleagues to ensure the efficient and high-quality legal function for the Withers art law practice, with a focus on transactional and advisory art law.  The successful candidate does not require a background in art law but will have experience of transactions and a desire to become an art lawyer.  Practice areas to be familiar with include corporate and commercial law, and some finance would be useful.

This is an opportunity to be part of an important part of a leading international art law team at a key part of its growth trajectory.

Key responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing comments on, revising and executing a wide range of art sale & purchase, consignment, art advisory, art finance and art appraisal contracts and ancillary documentation. 
• Documentation management in connection with transactions, and other legal transaction management functions including instructing and managing local counsel.
• Managing and updating full suite of legal templates. 
• Preparing notes of advice.
• Assisting with some art law dispute resolution matters and drafting settlement agreements.
• Assisting with the onboarding of new clients and managing of the full client experience (including billing, if appropriate).
• Providing corporate governance legal support, including producing board minutes and resolutions.
• Providing legal support on a wide range of special projects. 

Key skills and experience

• Candidates must be between 2-5 PQE.
• Candidates must be England & Wales qualified.
• Transaction experience desirable.
• No art law experience required but desirable, and self-interest to develop sector knowledge important.
• Very strong drafting skills.
• Detail oriented, but also able to 'see the wood for the trees'.
• Highly organised, good time management and prioritization skills.
• Independent thinker, who is also able to effectively work as a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment where excellence is paramount. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with clients, internal colleagues and a range of external contacts.
• Highly driven and committed to succeed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel, Litera and Adobe.

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must.
• 6-month probation period.
• 12 weeks' notice period.
• Flexible benefit package.

For further information, please contact recruitment team.

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 age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.           

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