Commercial Disputes Associate/Senior Associate

BCL Legal Limited; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Private medical and dental cover

Enhanced pension and life assurance

Wellbeing and mental health support

Generous annual leave

Structured professional development

Job summary

Leading Global Firm in Birmingham seeks an Associate (1-6 PQE) to join its Commercial Dispute Resolution team on a permanent basis with flexible hybrid working options.

The role handles complex, high-value and often international disputes across multiple sectors. You will work with Partners on major mandates, take ownership of matters, engage clients, and contribute to business development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 1-6 years PQE in commercial dispute resolution.
• Experience handling a range of commercial litigation matters.
• Confident drafting pleadings, managing disclosure and progressing matters strategically.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent clients on a broad range of complex commercial disputes.
• Work closely with Partners and senior lawyers on large disputes.
• Engage directly with clients and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Support business development initiatives and client relationship management.
• Collaborate across sectors including Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, Industrial Engineering, Technology & Outsourcing and Energy & Utilities.

Skills

Commercial dispute resolution

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Qualified solicitor with 1-6 years PQE in commercial dispute resolution

Job description

Associate | Commercial Dispute Resolution | Leading Global Firm | Birmingham | Hybrid Working Available

A leading global law firm is seeking an Associate (1-6 PQE) to join its Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Birmingham. This is a permanent opportunity with flexible hybrid working options available.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded disputes practice handling complex, high-value and often international litigation and arbitration matters across a broad range of sectors.

The Role

This role sits within a dynamic and collaborative Commercial Dispute Resolution team known for leading on major mandates and generating its own high-quality work.

You will advise and represent clients on a broad range of complex commercial disputes, including:

• Corporate and shareholder disputes
• Group and class actions
• Supply chain and contractual disputes
• Technology and outsourcing disputes
• Civil fraud and product liability matters
• International and cross-border disputes

The team acts for major energy and utilities clients, as well as world-leading industrial, manufacturing, technology and consumer businesses.

You will:

• Work closely with Partners and senior lawyers on some of the firm's largest and most visible disputes
• Take responsibility for smaller standalone matters with genuine ownership
• Engage directly with clients and contribute to strategic decision-making
• Support business development initiatives and client relationship management
• Collaborate across sectors including Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, Industrial Engineering, Technology & Outsourcing and Energy & Utilities

This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist expertise over time while maintaining a strong general commercial disputes foundation.

The Candidate

• Qualified solicitor with 1-6 years' PQE in commercial dispute resolution
• Strong academic background and technical training
• Experience handling a range of commercial litigation matters
• Confident drafting pleadings, managing disclosure and progressing matters strategically
• Commercially aware with an interest in business development
• Strong communication skills and ability to build lasting client relationships
• International or cross-border experience advantageous but not essential
• Proactive, motivated and keen to develop within a high-performing team

What's on Offer?

• Exposure to complex, high-value and international disputes
• Genuine responsibility and client contact from an early stage
• Structured mentoring and clear progression opportunities
• Hybrid and agile working arrangements
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including:
  • Private medical and dental cover
  • Enhanced pension and life assurance
  • Wellbeing and mental health support
  • Generous annual leave
  • Structured professional development and training
  • Opportunities for international collaboration and pro bono work
  • An inclusive, collaborative culture with a strong commitment to diversity and flexible working

About the Firm

This leading global law firm has over 5,000 people across more than 30 countries. Known for its strong values, collaborative culture and sector-focused approach, the firm is widely recognised for delivering complex, business-critical advice to clients worldwide. The Commercial Dispute Resolution team plays a central role in some of the firm's largest and most strategic mandates.