Commercial Disputes – Legal Director

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Legal Director to lead their Commercial Disputes team. You will handle complex legal disputes across various sectors and collaborate with teams to innovate legal services. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of post-qualification experience, proven client management skills, and a strategic mindset. This position comes with extensive benefits, including competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and professional development opportunities, along with a supportive working culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonuses

Comprehensive pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years post-qualification experience.
• Proven track record in managing complex commercial disputes.
• Strong experience in formal and alternative dispute resolution methods.

Responsibilities

• Advising on complex commercial disputes across various sectors.
• Managing complex cases and associate teams under partner supervision.
• Developing and maintaining client relationships with blue-chip companies.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Excellent client relationship management

Proactive approach to professional development

Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

Ability to mentor and support junior colleagues

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Tools

AI and innovative legal service tools

Job description

Job Description

Commercial Disputes Legal Director

Location : Leeds

Salary : 00 Extensive Benefits

Experience required : 8 Years PQE

We are expanding and seeking an exceptional Legal Director to join our growing Commercial Disputes team offering an exciting opportunity to drive significant high-impact work at a pivotal stage in your career.

Our client a nationally recognised law firm with a Tier 1-ranked disputes practice is looking for a talented Commercial Disputes lawyer who can contribute to and shape the future of a dynamic innovative team. This role offers the chance to work on complex high-value disputes across multiple sectors with like-minded inspiring colleagues.

If you’re an experienced Commercial Disputes lawyer with 8 years PQE looking to take your career to the next level in a supportive collaborative environment this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Legal Director in the Commercial Disputes team you’ll be part of a high-performing group recognised across UK and international markets for delivering sophisticated dispute resolution strategies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on complex commercial disputes across various sectors including:
  • Retail
  • Transport
  • Digital
  • Food and drink
  • Health
  • Industrial
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Financial services
• Strategically deploying dispute resolution methods including:
  • Court proceedings
  • Arbitral proceedings
  • Negotiation
  • Mediation
  • Adjudication
• Managing complex cases and associate teams under partner supervision
• Working closely with non-contentious colleagues to understand transaction backgrounds
• Developing and maintaining client relationships with blue-chip companies and high net worth individuals
• Collaborating across practice areas and industry groups
• Leading business development efforts and fostering new client relationships
• Mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues
• Exploring innovative tools like AI to enhance service delivery
• Contributing to the team’s continuous professional development
• Demonstrating thought leadership in dispute resolution

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 8 years post-qualification experience
• Proven track record in managing complex commercial disputes
• Strong experience in formal and alternative dispute resolution methods
• Excellent client relationship management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and practice areas
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Proactive approach to professional development
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to mentor and support junior colleagues
• Keen eye for detail and self-motivated approach

Desirable:

• Experience across multiple industry sectors
• Track record of business development
• Understanding of emerging technologies in legal practice
• Experience with AI and innovative legal service tools
• Additional dispute resolution qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary 00 dependent on experience
• Performance-related bonuses
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Life and income protection

Professional Development:

• Extensive training programmes
• Mentoring and coaching opportunities
• Leadership development support
• Continuous learning resources
• Technical and skills-based training
• Clear career progression pathways

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave
• Family-friendly policies
• Wellbeing support programmes

Culture & Recognition:

• Supportive and collegiate environment
• Culture of improvement, growth and collaboration
• Diverse and inclusive workplace
• Employee networks celebrating diversity
• Recognition for high-character colleagues who care for one another

Core Values:

• Technical excellence
• Client understanding
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Diversity and inclusion

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Leeds office

Working Pattern: Full-time

Hybrid Working: Supported with flexible arrangements

National Reach: Part of a team operating across UK offices

About Our Client

Our client is a leading law firm committed to delivering technical excellence, real client insight and innovative solutions. The firm prides itself on a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and supporting talent from the widest range of backgrounds.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you’re an experienced Commercial Disputes lawyer looking to join a high-performing team with exceptional development opportunities we’d love to hear from you.

Contact

Lee Hawthorne-Finch

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity please contact us.

(Contact details withheld for confidentiality)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 8+ years

Vacancy: 1