Head of Litigation

Legal Southwest; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established law firm in Plymouth is seeking a Head of Litigation to lead and grow their litigation department. The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator with strong leadership skills, capable of managing a talented team and handling complex litigation matters. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in shaping the department's future in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Senior litigation solicitor or partner with proven experience.
• Inspiring leader with the ability to grow a team.
• Commercially astute with a strong client focus.
• Skilled at handling complex disputes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a talented team of litigators.
• Manage own caseload of complex and high-value litigation matters.
• Shape departmental strategy with the partnership team.
• Build strong client relationships.

Job description

Are you an experienced litigator with strong leadership skills and the ambition to shape and grow a litigation department? We are delighted to be recruiting a Head of Litigation for our client, a long-established and award-winning firm based in Plymouth.

About the Firm

Founded in 1914, our client has been providing trusted legal services to the local community for over a century. While proud of their heritage, they are also forward-thinking and innovative, combining traditional values of excellence with a modern, approachable way of working. Their ethos is simple: they are normal people who happen to be experts in law, delivering expert advice with compassion and clarity.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role offering the chance to take ownership of a well-established litigation team and play a pivotal role in its future direction. The department covers a wide range of work including:

• Dispute resolution (including ADR)

• Civil litigation

• Contract and property disputes

• Personal injury claims

• Contentious probate

As Head of Litigation, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a talented team of litigators.

• Manage your own caseload of complex and high-value litigation matters.

• Work closely with the partnership team to shape departmental strategy and growth.

• Build strong client relationships and represent the firm at senior level.

• Contribute to the wider firm’s success through business development and networking.

About You

The successful candidate will be:

• A senior litigation solicitor or partner with proven experience across a broad spectrum of litigation work.

• An inspiring leader with the ability to manage, motivate, and grow a team.

• Commercially astute with a strong client focus.

• Skilled at handling complex disputes with confidence and professionalism.

• Ambitious, with the vision to take an established department to the next level.

Why Join?

• Lead a respected litigation team at an award-winning firm with over 100 years of history.

• Enjoy the opportunity to make a real impact and shape the future of the department.

• Work in a supportive and approachable culture that values both professional excellence and personal well-being.

• Be part of a firm with deep roots in Plymouth and the South West, with a loyal client base and strong reputation.

Key Details

• Role: Head of Litigation

• Location: Plymouth, Devon

• Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with seniority and experience

Please get in touch if you would like more information about this role or send your CV via the form below in complete confidence and we will get back to you.

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