Commercial Litigation Senior Associate / Managing Associate

William James Recruitment; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Pension

Wellbeing initiatives

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Job summary

William James Recruitment is representing a leading UK law firm seeking a Commercial Litigation Senior Associate / Managing Associate to join its Bristol City Centre team with hybrid working. The role involves handling high-value disputes, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to business development.

Applicants should be qualified solicitors with substantial commercial litigation experience, including pensions or financial services disputes, and a track record of leadership and client

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in Commercial Litigation.
• Operating at Senior Associate, Managing Associate, Principal Associate, or equivalent level.
• Experience of pensions disputes, financial services litigation, regulatory disputes, or contentious trust matters would be highly advantageous.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of commercial disputes work.
• Proven ability to manage complex matters with an appropriate level of autonomy.
• Previous supervisory or team management experience, or a genuine desire to move into a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Managing a diverse caseload of Commercial Litigation matters, including complex and high-value business disputes
• Advising clients on contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership issues, professional negligence claims, and wider contentious commercial matters
• Supporting clients through all stages of the dispute resolution process, including mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications, correspondence, and settlement agreements
• Providing commercially focused, strategic advice to a broad range of clients
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff within the team
• Assisting with the day-to-day management and development of a small disputes team
• Working closely with and reporting directly to the Legal Director on client matters, team performance, and strategic initiatives
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while contributing to business development and networking activities

Job description

Commercial Litigation Senior Associate / Managing Associate - Bristol City Centre with Hybrid Working - Up to £110,000 + Bonus + Benefits

A leading UK law firm with international coverage is seeking a Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join its growing Commercial Litigation team in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious disputes lawyer to take on a senior role within a highly regarded practice, handling a broad range of complex and high-value litigation matters while supporting the development of a small team. Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will enjoy a varied caseload spanning commercial, pensions, and financial services-related disputes, alongside genuine opportunities for progression within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

The Role:

• Managing a diverse caseload of Commercial Litigation matters, including complex and high-value business disputes
• Advising clients on contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership issues, professional negligence claims, and wider contentious commercial matters
• Supporting clients through all stages of the dispute resolution process, including mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications, correspondence, and settlement agreements
• Providing commercially focused, strategic advice to a broad range of clients
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff within the team
• Assisting with the day-to-day management and development of a small disputes team
• Working closely with and reporting directly to the Legal Director on client matters, team performance, and strategic initiatives
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while contributing to business development and networking activities

The Candidate:

• Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in Commercial Litigation
• Operating at Senior Associate, Managing Associate, Principal Associate, or equivalent level
• Experience of pensions disputes, financial services litigation, regulatory disputes, or contentious trust matters would be highly advantageous
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of commercial disputes work
• Proven ability to manage complex matters with an appropriate level of autonomy
• Previous supervisory or team management experience, or a genuine desire to move into a leadership role
• Commercially minded with excellent client relationship and communication skills
• Experience gained within a respected regional, national, or international law firm
• Ambitious and motivated, with a desire to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful disputes practice

• Competitive and negotiable salary with an attractive bonus structure
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, pension, and wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus additional benefits
• Structured career progression with a clear pathway to more senior leadership positions
• Exposure to complex and high-profile disputes work
• Opportunity to lead and develop a small team
• Supportive, collaborative, and ambitious working environment
• Long-term career prospects within a successful and expanding national practice