Commercial Litigation Legal Director

William James Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Private medical insurance

Enhanced pension

Up to 30 days' leave + bank holidays

Hybrid working

International work opportunities

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a top UK law firm in appointing a Commercial Litigation Legal Director/Senior Solicitor for its Birmingham team. The role combines leadership with hands‑on dispute work across domestic and international matters, in a hybrid working pattern from Birmingham City Centre.

The successful candidate will lead on high‑value disputes, advise on commercial contracts, and play a key role in growing the practice alongside senior Partners.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Commercial Litigation Solicitor at Legal Director level or Senior Associate ready to step up.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters.
• Proven ability to handle complex, high‑value disputes and advise on commercial contracts.
• Commercially minded with excellent client relationship and business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters, including high‑value disputes.
• Advise clients on commercial contract disputes and business conflicts.
• Manage shareholder, partnership, and director disputes.
• Oversee professional negligence, restrictive covenant, and defamation matters.
• Coordinate domestic and cross‑border disputes for national and international clients.
• Develop client relationships and support growth of the team.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to strategic development of the practice.

Job description

Commercial Litigation Legal Director – Birmingham City Centre with Hybrid Working – Up to £120,000 + Bonus + Benefits

A Top UK law firm is seeking to appoint a Commercial Litigation Legal Director / Senior Solicitor to join its award-winning Birmingham disputes team as part of its continued growth strategy. Recognised as a highly ranked Legal 500 practice, the team advises on complex, high-value litigation for a diverse client base ranging from SMEs and owner-managed businesses through to multinational organisations and major institutions. With a strong Midlands presence, national reach, and growing international capability, this is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and entrepreneurial firm, working alongside highly regarded Partners on sophisticated disputes while playing a key role in the continued expansion and long-term success of the practice.

The Role

• Leading on a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters, including complex and high-value disputes
• Advising clients on commercial contract disputes and wider business conflicts
• Handling shareholder, partnership, and director disputes
• Acting on professional negligence, restrictive covenant, and defamation matters
• Managing domestic and cross-border disputes involving national and international clients
• Working closely with Partners across the firm's national network and wider international connections
• Building and developing strong client relationships across a varied commercial client base
• Supporting business development initiatives and contributing to the continued growth of the team
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers where appropriate
• Playing a key role in the strategic development of an award-winning disputes practice

The Candidate

• An experienced Commercial Litigation Solicitor operating at Legal Director level, or a Principal Associate / Senior Associate ready to take the next step
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters
• Proven experience handling complex and high-value disputes
• Commercially minded, with excellent client relationship and business development skills
• Ambitious and motivated, with a genuine desire to progress towards Partnership
• Experience gained within a reputable regional, national, or international law firm
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to thrive in a high-performing team environment
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to contribute to the continued growth of the practice

The Benefits

• Competitive and negotiable salary, with an attractive bonus structure
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, healthcare, life assurance, and an enhanced pension scheme
• Enhanced family-friendly benefits and policies
• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Access to high-quality local, national, and international work
• Clear long-term progression opportunities within a growing team
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and ambitious firm culture
• Award-winning disputes team with a strong reputation in the Legal 500