Arbitration Lawyer

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Start Date: ASAP
Experience: Minimum 6 years (PQE)
Languages: Fluent in English and Portuguese
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Arbitration Lawyer to join the Litigation & International Arbitration practice of a top-tier law firm based in Lisbon. This is an exciting opportunity for a legal professional with a solid background in international commercial arbitration to work on complex, high-value, and cross-border disputes, often involving multinational corporations, sovereign entities, and global law firms.

As a key member of the arbitration team, you will act in sophisticated and strategic matters under various arbitral rules (ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, CAM, etc.), and collaborate closely with experts, co-counsel and stakeholders across jurisdictions. The role offers direct exposure to a wide range of industries, including energy, construction, infrastructure, finance, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as lead counsel or co-counsel in international and domestic arbitration cases, ensuring strategic oversight from initial assessment through enforcement of the arbitral award.

• Represent clients before arbitral tribunals and liaise with institutions such as ICC, LCIA, ICSID, UNCITRAL, CAM-CCBC, VIAC, and others.

• Draft high-level procedural documents, including statements of claim and defence, witness statements, expert reports, memorials, procedural applications, and post-hearing briefs.

• Provide clients with strategic legal advice on dispute avoidance, negotiation tactics, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Advise on jurisdictional challenges, applicable law, and recognition/enforcement of awards, including litigation related to arbitration proceedings.

• Participate in hearings across jurisdictions, including coordination with expert witnesses, document production processes, and preparation of cross-examinations.

• Collaborate with internal practice groups (corporate, regulatory, compliance, energy, construction) on multi-faceted legal issues.

• Mentor and supervise junior associates and interns, contributing to their technical and professional development.

• Contribute to the firm’s arbitration thought leadership through articles, seminars, and participation in arbitration networks and institutions.

Requirements

• Law degree from a respected university (international academic background or LL.M. in Arbitration, International Law or similar is a strong asset).

• At least 6 years of post-qualification experience with a significant focus on international commercial arbitration.

• Admitted to the Portuguese Bar (Ordem dos Advogados). Additional international bar admission is a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of arbitration rules (ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SCC, CAM, etc.), as well as the Portuguese Voluntary Arbitration Law and New York Convention.

• Proven experience in handling complex procedural matters, drafting persuasive submissions, and working with international teams.

• Fluent in English and Portuguese (spoken and written); proficiency in additional languages (particularly French or Spanish) is a plus.

• Strong legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills, with a strategic and business-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.

• Solid project management, client relationship and communication skills, with a hands-on approach.

What We Offer

• A leading role in one of Portugal’s most respected international arbitration practices.

• The opportunity to work on international, multi-jurisdictional cases, often with global law firms and industry experts.

• Direct exposure to clients from diverse sectors: energy, construction, telecoms, financial services, infrastructure, and beyond.

• A collaborative and inclusive team culture, with mentorship, leadership and continuous development at its core.

• Access to international training programs, professional development, and industry events.

• Flexible working arrangements through a temporarily hybrid model, ensuring balance and productivity.

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.