Job Description

Commercial Disputes Associate Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5 to 8 PQE

 

Our client is looking to recruit a talented and ambitious Associate Solicitor to join its Commercial Disputes team in Leeds.

This is a senior associate level role for someone who can run high-value matters with confidence, contribute to the strategic direction of the department, and support the development of junior lawyers as the team grows.

 

You will manage complex commercial disputes matters, taking responsibility for progressing work efficiently, maintaining excellent client care, and delivering a profitable contribution to the department.

 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing client work allocated by the Head of Department or Partners in line with procedures and quality standards

• Progressing matters expeditiously and keeping clients updated on progress and costs

• Maintaining confidentiality and security of firm and client information

• Achieving agreed billing, time recording and financial targets, including supporting credit control where required

• Building strong working relationships with clients and external institutions

• Supervising, supporting and developing junior fee earners and support staff

• Contributing to training, mentoring and performance management activity within the team

• Supporting business development through networking, marketing and attending client and professional events

• Assisting with department planning, strategy and implementation alongside the Head of Department

• Helping to develop and improve systems, processes and the use of technology within the team

 

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Admission to the Solicitors Roll

• 5 to 8 years’ PQE with strong experience handling complex commercial disputes

• Proven track record as a strong fee earner, capable of managing high-value matters independently

• Excellent advocacy and negotiation skills

• Strong commercial mindset and sound understanding of professional conduct requirements

• Team building and people management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop others

• Confident communicator with a pleasant but assertive manner, tact and resilience

• Well organised, with strong attention to detail

• A proactive approach to business development and the ability to build on existing connections

 

What’s On Offer

• 25 days holiday plus your birthday off

• 7 hours wellbeing time per year (bookable in 1-hour slots)

• Health Cash Plan (including 24-hour advice line and counselling access)

• Group life assurance

• Pension contribution (with salary exchange option)

• Yulife

• Perkbox retail discounts and wellbeing hub

• Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year

• Option to carry up to 3 days holiday into the next holiday year

• Structured induction, ongoing in-house training and external training opportunities

• Social events including an annual Christmas party and summer BBQ

• Free refreshments (tea, coffee and weekly fresh fruit)

• Staff legal benefits including:

• Residential conveyancing on your sole or main residence at no cost (excluding disbursements)

• Standard will preparation for you (or your spouse) at no charge (excluding IHT planning)

• Discounted legal services for you and your immediate family

• Long service awards at key milestones

 

Working Arrangements

• Full-time: 09:00 to 17:30, 5 days per week

• Hybrid working available once probation is passed

• Please note: as an Associate, additional hours may be required to deliver the full responsibilities of the role

 

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 treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.