Main information
Term type:
Contract
Duration:
1 year
Department:
Asset/Project Finance
Location:
London
The firm
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
Role overview
The position will be heavily involved in sector-related work, with approximately 70% of time dedicated to supporting the Sector on an international scale. The successful candidate will work closely with the Global Head of Business Development (Energy), ensuring momentum is maintained across key projects.
Key activities/responsibilities
- Provide proactive support to the Global Head of Business Development, assisting with a varied and demanding workload.
- Support and project manage International Sector initiatives, helping to maintain progress and continuity across ongoing projects.
- Undertake detailed research, data analysis and document preparation to support sector and business development activities.
- Produce high-quality presentations, pitch documents and client-facing materials.
- Coordinate and manage business development projects, ensuring actions, deadlines and deliverables are tracked and completed.
- Maintain oversight of multiple workstreams, identifying priorities and proactively addressing issues.
- Deliver strong diary and meeting management support, ensuring effective scheduling and coordination of key stakeholders.
- Schedule and organise sector meetings, including working with the Global Head of BD to prepare agendas, supporting materials, take minutes and circulate minutes/actions to relevant teams.
- Lead coordination for major sector trips and conferences, including managing meeting trackers, group travel booking, invoices and budget management.
- Assisting with adding matters and pitches to their respective databases with relevant support from the BD team.
- Assisting BD team with compilation of deals and referees (including managing consent capture) for the legal directories.
- Creating first drafts of Compass entries for the BD Lead.
- Manage sector email groups, ensuring distribution lists remain accurate and up-to-date.
- Updating various BD materials and making sure Ignition and SharePoint are updated with these materials.
- Handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and support collaboration across teams.
Skills and experience – essential
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proven ability to work proactively, using initiative and anticipating needs before they arise.
- Excellent diary management and coordination skills.
- Highly professional, discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
- Strong written communication skills with experience producing high-quality documents and presentations.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint and Word.
- Quick learner who can rapidly understand new subject areas and work independently.
- Ability to be largely self-sufficient while supporting busy fee earners and senior stakeholders.
Skills and experience – desired
- Experience supporting Business Development, Sector, or professional services teams.
- Experience preparing pitch materials and client development documentation.
- Interest in international business development and sector-focused work.
Development
- Training and support will be provided in pitch development and presentation preparation where required.
Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.
Additional information
The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.
Equal opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact [email protected] and include “Disability Confident Scheme Application” in the subject line of your email.
