JOB DESCRIPTION
At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.
We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.
We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.
Your goals. Our ambition.
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
1. Contribute to excellent client service and perform fee-earning work under supervision.
2. Make an effective contribution to the firm’s work by aiming to meet and exceed target hours.
3. Build on legal and commercial knowledge in chosen practice area.
4. Cultivate relationships with current client contacts and be a direct point of contact.
Key responsibilities
Practice area – EU Regulation and Trade
Main areas covered | EU Tech Regulation | EU Consumer Regulation | EU Energy and Environmental Regulation | EU Market Access and Free Movement | EU Customs and Trade Defence | European Commission and EU authority investigations | EU Court of Justice litigation
Sector expertise includes tech and AI | telecoms and media | energy and natural resources | environmental | financial institutions | consumer goods| infrastructure | transport| manufacturing and industrials retail |
Recent Matters
5. 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.
6. Assisting companies in devising comprehensive compliance programmes in relation to the EU AI Act.
7. 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.
8. Assisting clients in assessing EU regulatory proposals across a variety of sectors and in responding to consultations and their engagement with EU regulatory authorities.
9. Acting for Acquind and British American Tobacco in the context of regulatory challenges before the EU Court of Justice.
10. Advising various clients on applicable UK and EU customs regulations.
11. Acting for various clients in trade-defence investigations, including in relation to MEG, PVC, steel, tracks.
Qualifications, skills and experience
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Strong legal skills, including complex drafting, negotiation and project management skills; good people management and business development skills.
16. Full understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to manage costs and budgets.
Competencies
Personal leadership
17. Embraces challenge and finds opportunities to develop and sustain themselves
Technical capability
18. Deepens legal knowledge and insight, applying it with judgement and clarity
Contributes to the success of others
19. Volunteers, assists others and contributes to positive team spirit
Supports the delivery of outcomes
20. Contributes to the smooth and effective running of matters
Enhances the client experience
21. Helps to create a positive working relationship with clients
Contributes to building the firm
22. 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.