Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Legal Southwest Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Southwest Ltd in Plymouth is seeking an experienced Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution to lead and grow its contentious practice. The role combines high-quality fee-earning work with team leadership, business development and strategic growth of the department.

The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of complex matters while supporting and developing the wider team and driving the department forward.

Qualifications

• Significant litigation and dispute resolution experience.
• Experience leading a team and developing junior lawyers.
• Strong client relationship management and business development focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the litigation team and steer the department.
• Develop and grow a high-quality contentious practice.
• Manage a varied caseload and supervise complex matters.
• Mentor junior colleagues and allocate work effectively.
• Build relationships with clients and professional networks.

Skills

Leadership

Client care

Negotiation

Business development

Mentoring

Education

Solicitor qualification

Chartered Legal Executive rights

Job description

An established and growing Plymouth law firm is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution to lead and further develop its contentious practice.

This is a senior appointment offering the opportunity to combine high-quality fee-earning work with team leadership, business development and the strategic growth of the department.

The successful candidate will manage their own varied caseload of complex litigation matters while taking responsibility for supporting and developing the wider team and helping to drive the department forward.

The Role:

The successful candidate will:

• Manage a varied caseload of litigation and dispute resolution matters, including complex and higher-value disputes
• Provide practical and commercially focused advice to clients
• Manage matters from initial instruction through to settlement or conclusion
• Draft and review pleadings, witness statements, applications, settlement agreements and other litigation documentation
• Conduct matters in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant pre-action protocols
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients during mediations and settlement discussions
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and professional contacts
• Provide technical guidance and support to colleagues within the department
• Supervise, mentor and develop junior and qualified members of the team
• Assist with the allocation of work and development of individuals within the department
• Maintain high standards of client care, compliance and risk management

As Head of Department, you will play an important role in the continued development and growth of the litigation offering.

Responsibilities will include:

• Providing leadership and direction to the team
• Supporting the professional development of fee earners and junior colleagues
• Identifying opportunities to grow the department and generate new instructions
• Building relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Developing professional networks and referral relationships
• Participating in appropriate networking, marketing and business development activities
• Working collaboratively with other departments to identify cross-referral opportunities
• Contributing to the strategic direction and commercial performance of the department
• Monitoring fee income, WIP, billing and overall departmental performance
• Identifying opportunities to improve services and working practices

About You:

Applications are welcomed from experienced Solicitors or Chartered Legal Executives with appropriate practice rights who have significant experience within litigation and dispute resolution.

You will ideally have:

• Strong technical knowledge of civil litigation and dispute resolution
• Experience managing complex contentious matters independently
• The confidence and experience to supervise and mentor other legal professionals
• Excellent communication, negotiation and client care skills
• Strong commercial awareness
• An interest in business development and growing a department
• The ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• A proactive and collaborative approach to leadership
• Strong organisational and case management skills

Previous experience in a departmental leadership or management position would be advantageous, although applications may also be considered from experienced senior litigators who are ready to take the next step in their career.

The Opportunity:

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced litigator looking for a senior position with genuine influence over the future direction and growth of a department.

The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits package together with a supportive working environment and opportunities for continued professional development.

Legal Southwest will never, without exception, send out your CV without your prior knowledge or consent so please be assured that we treat every application with the utmost confidentiality.