Commercial Litigation Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working from Manchester Office

Competitive salary and benefits

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a highly regarded UK law firm in Manchester to hire a Senior Associate / Principal Associate Solicitor specializing in Commercial Procurement Litigation. The role focuses on advising public sector bodies, contracting authorities, utilities providers and private sector organisations on complex procurement disputes.

Hybrid working from Manchester City Centre is offered, with a clear path for career progression, strong development support and a competitive

Qualifications

• Proven track record in procurement litigation and public sector disputes.
• Strong client relationship management and business development experience.
• Excellent drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support growth of a specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation practice.
• Build and strengthen client relationships across public and private sector organisations.
• Develop new procurement-related instructions and contribute to strategy.
• Mentor junior lawyers and drive strong team collaboration.
• Manage matters including framework agreements, tender evaluations and contract awards.
• Ensure delivery against business objectives and financial performance.

Skills

Procurement litigation

Public sector disputes

Relationship management

Business development

Drafting & advocacy

Job description

Commercial Litigation Senior Associate Solicitor / Principal Associate Solicitor (Procurement) - Manchester City Centre with Hybrid Working - Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits

A highly regarded Legal 500 UK law firm is seeking a Senior Associate Solicitor / Principal Associate Solicitor to join its specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation team in Manchester. The team advises public sector bodies, contracting authorities, utilities providers and private sector organisations on complex procurement disputes and challenges. With increasing demand in this area, the firm is looking to strengthen its offering through the appointment of an experienced lawyer capable of advising on high-profile and strategically important procurement matters.

The Role:

• Support the continued growth and development of a specialist Commercial Procurement Litigation practice
• Build and strengthen client relationships across both public and private sector organisations
• Take an active role in securing and developing new procurement-related instructions
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the team and wider disputes practice
• Advise clients on procurement disputes, challenges and remedies arising under public procurement legislation
• Represent contracting authorities, utilities providers, bidders and suppliers in contentious procurement matters
• Handle matters involving framework agreements, tender evaluations, contract awards, exclusions and procurement compliance
• Work closely with colleagues across commercial, projects, infrastructure and public sector teams
• Support and mentor junior lawyers within the team, promoting a collaborative culture
• Maintain responsibility for financial performance, matter management and delivery against business objectives
• Contribute to thought leadership, client training and wider market engagement activities

The Candidate:

• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in procurement litigation and public sector disputes
• Experienced in handling complex and high-value contentious procurement matters
• Possesses a strong understanding of procurement regulations and judicial review processes
• Delivers pragmatic and commercially focused advice tailored to client objectives
• Experienced in relationship management and developing long-term client partnerships
• Contributes to business development initiatives and supports wider team growth
• An effective communicator with strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills
• A qualified Solicitor operating at Senior Associate or Principal Associate level within Procurement Litigation, Public Procurement or Commercial Litigation

• A highly competitive salary with a strong overall benefits package
• Hybrid working from the firm's Manchester Office
• Exposure to complex and strategically significant procurement disputes
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a growing specialist practice
• A collaborative working environment with a strong commitment to professional development