Job Description

Legal Director – Disputes

Location: Manchester

Salary: £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

Experience: Senior level (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

 

If you’re a senior disputes lawyer looking to lead complex, high-value work and build long-term client relationships, this is a standout opportunity to join a top-tier Dispute Resolution team in Manchester.

You’ll take real ownership of matters, work closely with senior stakeholders, and play a visible role in developing the team and wider practice.

 

The Opportunity

This role offers a mix of high-stakes commercial litigation and broader disputes advisory work, with scope to shape strategy, mentor others and contribute to business development.

• Lead complex commercial litigation, arbitration and ADR matters from inception to resolution

• Build and maintain close client relationships and act as a trusted adviser

• Advise on a range of disputes, including fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition matters and technology disputes

• Supervise, mentor and develop associates and junior lawyers

• Contribute to business development and profile-raising activity

• Collaborate with colleagues across corporate, finance, real estate, employment and other practice areas

• Use legal technology and process improvement to enhance client service delivery

 

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong senior-level disputes experience (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

• Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration

• Strong technical capability across commercial disputes, with experience in at least two of: fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration

• Confident client relationship skills, with experience advising major corporates and senior stakeholders

• Team leadership experience, including supervision and mentoring

• Excellent drafting skills and strong attention to detail

• Commercially astute, solutions-focused approach

• Business development mindset and ability to identify growth opportunities

• Resilient and adaptable, able to manage multiple high-pressure matters

Desirable

• International arbitration experience (for example, ICC, LCIA, SIAC or similar)

• Sector strength in financial services, energy and/or technology

• Track record of client origination and business development

• Experience in a large, international law firm environment

• Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters

 

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

• Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)

• High-quality disputes work with strong client exposure

• Supportive, high-performing team environment

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training programmes, mentoring and coaching

• Access to legal technology and specialist support teams

• Inclusive culture with employee networks and a focus on wellbeing

 

About Our Client

Our client is a large, international, full-service law firm with a strong disputes capability and a collaborative culture. The firm supports major organisations across multiple jurisdictions and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-led approach.

 

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

 

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.