Litigation Solicitor

Location: South West London
Salary: £65,000 to £85,000, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Working Pattern: Office-based
Sector: UK Legal Practice

 

The Opportunity

An established and highly regarded South West London law firm is seeking an experienced Litigation Solicitor or lawyer to join its growing Dispute Resolution team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and commercially minded litigator who enjoys variety, autonomy and direct client contact.

You will manage a broad caseload of contentious matters for individuals, landlords, property owners, companies, directors and business clients. The work includes property disputes, landlord and tenant matters, commercial and contractual disputes, professional negligence and company or partnership disagreements.

The successful candidate will join a small and dedicated Litigation team, retaining genuine ownership of matters while benefiting from accessible support from experienced colleagues and Partners.

 

The Role

You will manage a varied contentious caseload from initial instruction through to negotiation, settlement or final resolution.

The work is expected to include:

• Property litigation
• Residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes
• Leasehold and enfranchisement matters
• Contractual disputes
• Commercial litigation
• Professional negligence claims
• Neighbour and boundary disputes
• Party wall matters
• Company and shareholder disputes
• Partnership disputes
• Employment-related disputes
• Debt and enforcement matters where appropriate
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
• County Court and High Court proceedings

The precise caseload will depend on your experience and the needs of the department.

 

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing contentious matters from initial instruction through to conclusion
• Assessing the merits, risks and commercial value of potential claims
• Providing clear and practical advice on litigation strategy
• Drafting pre-action correspondence and formal notices
• Preparing statements of case, witness statements and settlement documentation
• Conducting legal research and analysing complex factual evidence
• Managing disclosure and document-review exercises
• Complying with court directions, procedural requirements and limitation dates
• Preparing matters for mediation, interim applications and trial
• Negotiating settlements
• Liaising with Counsel, experts, surveyors and other professional advisers
• Attending client meetings and court hearings where appropriate
• Maintaining accurate, compliant and well-organised files
• Managing client expectations, costs and matter progression
• Monitoring work in progress, billing and financial performance
• Building strong relationships with clients and professional contacts
• Contributing to the continued development of the Litigation practice

 

About You

Applications are welcomed from qualified Solicitors and experienced lawyers who can demonstrate substantial contentious experience within a UK Legal Practice.

You should ideally offer:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales, Chartered Legal Executive or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Recent Litigation or Dispute Resolution experience gained within a UK Legal Practice
• The ability to manage a varied contentious caseload independently
• Experience in one or more of property litigation, landlord and tenant disputes, commercial disputes, professional negligence or company and partnership disputes
• Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules
• Excellent drafting and legal-research skills
• Confident negotiation and dispute-resolution capability
• Strong client-management and communication skills
• The ability to give clear, practical and commercially focused advice
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• The ability to manage court deadlines and competing priorities
• Confidence instructing and working with Counsel and expert witnesses
• A commercial approach to fees, billing and matter management
• An interest in business development and strengthening referral relationships
• The ambition to progress within a growing firm
• The ability to work from the South West London office on a full-time basis

Experience across property and landlord and tenant disputes would be particularly attractive because these areas form an important part of the expected caseload.

Experience of enfranchisement, employment disputes or an established professional network would also be advantageous but is not essential.

 

Commercial Contribution and Practice Development

The firm benefits from an established litigation caseload, but the successful candidate will also be encouraged to contribute to the department’s growth.

This may include:

• Maintaining and developing existing client relationships
• Building connections with property professionals and business advisers
• Developing relationships with potential introducers
• Participating in networking and profile-raising activity
• Producing articles, updates or presentations on relevant legal issues
• Identifying opportunities for internal referrals
• Supporting cross-departmental client relationships
• Contributing ideas for the continued development of the practice
• Supporting or mentoring junior colleagues where appropriate

An existing following or proven record of generating work would be advantageous and may support consideration towards the upper end of the salary range.

 

Salary and Benefits

The firm is offering:

• A market-benchmarked salary of £65,000 to £85,000, depending on experience and contribution
• A strong and varied litigation caseload
• Genuine autonomy over matters and client relationships
• Direct access to experienced colleagues and Partners
• A supportive and close-knit team environment
• Opportunities to develop professional and referral relationships
• Recognition for commercial contribution and initiative
• Clear opportunities for senior progression
• Potential longer-term progression towards leadership or partnership
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of the Litigation team

Candidates offering substantial property litigation experience, high-value commercial disputes, strong billing performance, team-management capability or an established client following may be considered at or above the upper end of the stated range.

The complete benefits package should be confirmed during the recruitment process.

 

Working Arrangements

This is an office-based position in South West London.

The firm is seeking someone who values direct collaboration with colleagues, regular client contact and a visible role in the continued development of the Litigation department.

Candidates should therefore be comfortable attending the South West London office on a full-time basis.

 

Case-Management System

The firm uses LEAP as its case-management system.

Previous LEAP experience would be beneficial but is not essential, as training can be provided. Applicants should nevertheless be comfortable using legal technology to manage correspondence, documents, key dates, time recording, billing and file compliance.

 

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role would suit an experienced litigator seeking:

• A varied caseload rather than a narrowly defined specialism
• Greater ownership of matters and client relationships
• Direct contact with individuals, property clients and businesses
• A collaborative environment with accessible Partner support
• The opportunity to build a professional profile and referral network
• Recognition for billing, client care and commercial contribution
• Progression towards a senior or leadership-level role
• The opportunity to influence the development of a growing Litigation practice

 

Equal Opportunities

Applications are welcomed from Litigation and Dispute Resolution professionals of all backgrounds. Every application will be considered according to the skills, experience and suitability demonstrated for the position.

 

Apply in Confidence

To discuss this Litigation Solicitor opportunity confidentially, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

All applications and enquiries will be treated confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring firm without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.