Job title: Litigation Senior Associate
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: 7 Year PQE Senior Associate / Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £110,000.00
Location: London, UK
Job published: 2026-08-04
Job ID: 65926
Contact name: David Hawthorne-Finch
Phone number: +443339962882
Contact email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Litigation Senior Associate (Succession to Head of Litigation) 
 
Salary: £85,000–£110,000 + Bonus
Location: Wimbledon (Hybrid 2–3 days office)
 
Clear route to Department Head
 
Our client is offering a rare succession opportunity for an established Litigation Senior Associate to step into a genuine leadership-track role, with the current Head of Litigation due to retire next year.
 
If you’re looking for a role where you can lead complex property litigation, mentor a team, and shape department strategy (without sacrificing flexibility), this is worth a conversation.
 

The Opportunity

  • Role: Litigation Senior Associate (succession to Head of Litigation)
  • Location: Wimbledon, South West London (excellent transport links)
  • Working arrangement: Hybrid working (typically 2–3 days in the office)
  • Salary: £85,000–£110,000 (dependent on experience) + discretionary bonus
  • Reporting to: Managing Partner

 

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead on high-quality litigation matters
  • Managing a varied litigation caseload with a strong focus on property litigation (commercial and residential)
  • Advising clients strategically from pre-action through to resolution, including ADR and court proceedings
Support and develop the team
  • Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors and support staff
  • Helping to maintain excellent standards across file management, compliance, and client care
Help shape the department
  • Contributing to departmental planning and growth
  • Supporting business development and strengthening existing client relationships

 

What We’re Looking For

  • Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
  • 7+ years’ PQE (guideline) with strong, consistent litigation experience
  • UK private practice experience is essential
  • Demonstrable expertise in property litigation (commercial and residential)
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Civil Procedure Rules (CPR)
    • Pre-Action Protocols
    • Court procedure and ADR (mediation/negotiation)
  • Experience supervising others (or clear readiness to step into a leadership role)
  • Confident communicator with excellent client-handling skills and commercial awareness

 

Salary & Benefits

  • £85,000–£110,000 (DOE) + discretionary bonus
  • Hybrid working (typically 2–3 days office-based)
  • 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
  • Private medical insurance
  • Enhanced pension scheme
  • Professional development funding and support
  • Clear progression to Head of Department and a pathway to partnership/equity (for the right person)
  • Supportive, collaborative culture and regular team socials

 

Apply (Confidential)

For a confidential discussion and to receive the full job specification, please contact:
 
David Hawthorne-Finch
Consultant, Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Phone: 0333 996 2882
 
All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.