Commercial Litigation Senior Associate

Oculus Legal Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Sick pay

Free on-site parking

Smart-casual dress code

Professional development

Job summary

Oculus Legal Group in Liverpool (Hybrid: 4 Days Office / 1 Day Home) is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate/Senior Associate to join its disputes team.

You will manage your own varied caseload, advising on strategy, drafting pleadings, and coordinating settlements while working closely with Partners on high-value matters. This is a chance to develop client relationships and progress within a growing firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 4 years' PQE in Commercial Litigation or Dispute Resolution.
• Experience independently managing a varied litigation caseload.
• Strong technical understanding of Civil Procedure Rules and litigation processes.
• Excellent drafting skills across pleadings, applications and client correspondence.
• Commercial awareness with strong client relationship management.
• The ability to prioritise competing deadlines within a busy caseload.
• An interest in networking, business development and growing client relationships.
• A collaborative approach within a fast-moving disputes team.

Responsibilities

• Running commercial litigation files from initial instruction through to settlement or trial.
• Advising clients on litigation strategy, legal merits, costs and commercial risk.
• Preparing pleadings, witness statements, court applications and other legal documents.
• Managing pre-action correspondence and negotiating settlements.
• Overseeing disclosure exercises and coordinating witness and expert evidence.
• Instructing counsel and specialist experts where appropriate.
• Attending hearings, mediations and settlement discussions.
• Assisting Partners on significant and high-value litigation matters.

Skills

Commercial litigation experience

PQE 4+ years

Client relationship management

Drafting skills

Case management

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Commercial Litigation Associate / Senior Associate (4+ PQE)

Location: Liverpool (Hybrid Working: 4 Days Office / 1 Day Home)

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: Up to £80,000 DOE

About the Firm

An established and well-respected commercial law firm is looking to appoint a talented Commercial Litigation Solicitor to strengthen its growing Dispute Resolution team based in Liverpool.

This is an exciting opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate who is looking to work alongside experienced Partners on complex, high-value disputes while enjoying a high level of responsibility and client contact from day one.

The team acts for a diverse portfolio of commercial clients, including owner‑managed businesses, corporate organisations, company directors, shareholders, investors, lenders, landlords and high‑net‑worth individuals across a wide range of contentious commercial matters.

The firm offers a supportive, entrepreneurial environment where ambitious lawyers are encouraged to develop their technical expertise, build lasting client relationships and progress their careers.

The Position

You will take ownership of your own varied caseload while assisting Partners on larger and more complex disputes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Running commercial litigation files from initial instruction through to settlement or trial.
• Advising clients on litigation strategy, legal merits, costs and commercial risk.
• Preparing pleadings, witness statements, court applications and other legal documents.
• Managing pre‑action correspondence and negotiating settlements.
• Overseeing disclosure exercises and coordinating witness and expert evidence.
• Instructing counsel and specialist experts where appropriate.
• Attending hearings, mediations and settlement discussions.
• Assisting Partners on significant and high‑value litigation matters.
• Contributing to business development activities and supporting the continued growth of the team.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships through practical and commercially focused advice.

About You

Applications are welcomed from Associate and Senior Associate level solicitors with a solid background in commercial litigation.

You should have:

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 4 years' PQE in Commercial Litigation or Dispute Resolution.
• Experience independently managing a varied litigation caseload.
• Strong technical understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules and litigation processes.
• Excellent drafting skills across pleadings, applications and client correspondence.
• Commercial awareness with strong client relationship management skills.
• The ability to prioritise competing deadlines within a busy caseload.
• An interest in networking, business development and growing client relationships.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to work within a fast‑moving disputes team.

Matters You'll Handle

The successful candidate will advise on a broad range of commercial disputes, including:

• Debt recovery
• Shareholder and director disputes
• Professional negligence claims
• Insolvancy‑related litigation
• Property disputes, including lease and dilapidations matters

The Team

You’ll become part of an experienced and highly regarded litigation department within a modern commercial practice recognised for its collaborative culture.

The firm offers:

• Close Partner support and mentoring.
• Exposure to complex, high‑quality commercial litigation.
• Meaningful client contact and responsibility from the outset.
• A commercially focused and entrepreneurial working environment.
• Clear opportunities for long‑term career progression.
• Modern offices with excellent support systems.
• A friendly, collaborative culture where teamwork is genuinely valued.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension.
• Sick pay.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Smart‑casual dress code.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Excellent opportunities for career advancement.

Apply

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Commercial Litigation Solicitor seeking high‑quality work within an ambitious and expanding disputes practice.

If you're looking for greater autonomy, excellent client exposure and genuine progression within a respected North West firm, I'd be delighted to discuss the opportunity with you.