The team

RPC has one of the largest dedicated disputes teams in the market, acting on large-scale commercial and banking disputes and competition litigation. Described by The Lawyer as 'heavyweight' in its UK Litigation Top 50 Report (2025), our premium commercial litigation practice is recognised as market leading (Legal 500 2026, Commercial litigation: premium). We are an award-winning team:

• Winner - Dispute Resolution Team of the Year 2026 - LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026
• Winner - Disputes Team of the Year 2025 - Chambers UK Awards
• Shortlisted - Disputes Team of the Year - Legal Business Awards 2026

Competition Litigation is a core and growing part of our practice. Our competition lawyers are noted as 'exceptional' with 'a rare balance of technical excellence, strategic judgement and client-focused service' (Legal 500 2026, Competition Litigation).

We have extensive experience in bringing and defending competition law disputes and acting in collective actions before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Our work is often high profile and cutting-edge, including 'environmental' CPO claims in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) against water companies for alleged market abuse. Most matters have an international element.

We offer high-quality, varied work within a positive and supportive team environment. We prioritise the development and progression of our people, and we believe in shared success.

The role

We seek a competition associate with c.3-5 years of PQE to join the team.

Working directly with partners Chris Ross and Zoe Mernick-Levene, you will support on a broad range of competition litigation matters, including both bringing and defending standalone and follow-on damages actions and collective proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and in the High Court. You will be part of a collaborative team from across the wider Disputes practice handling high-profile, often cross-border disputes, and will be expected to take real responsibility with appropriate supervision.

Whilst competition litigation will form the core part of your work, there will be opportunity to be involved in commercial and banking disputes.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• 3-5 years of PQE or equivalent relevant expertise in competition litigation.
• Delivers legal and commercial solutions and establishes collaborative working relationships with colleagues and clients to provide an outstanding client experience.
• Supports the team to manage the client experience, develops trusted relationships and interacts with clients confidently to achieve the best outcome for the client.
• Committed to business development to further grow their network and the practice, spotting new case development opportunities and developing these ideas with the team and economists and counsel.
• Works efficiently and commercially and understands the importance of financial hygiene.
• Collaborative and works effectively in a team.
• Understands how to develop junior team members and support their ambitions.
• Committed to being part of a supportive, inclusive and collaborative firm culture.