Senior Dispute Resolution Solicitor (Locum)

RLS Legal Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Hybrid work

Office-based option

Job summary

RLS Legal Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Dispute Resolution Locum Solicitor to join a well-established Cornwall firm. You will independently manage a varied civil and commercial litigation caseload, including probate disputes, contract and professional negligence matters, property issues and debt recovery.

The initial 2–3 month assignment starts late December 2026 or January 2027, with full-time preference (4 days per week also considered) and flexible working arrangements (remote,

Qualifications

• 6+ years' PQE in dispute resolution.
• Broad experience handling civil and commercial litigation.
• Ability to work independently as standalone fee earner.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and client management skills.
• Availability to start in late December 2026 or January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a varied civil and commercial litigation caseload.
• Draft pleadings and court documents; negotiate settlements.
• Liaise with counsel and attend hearings when required.
• Handle contentions probate, contract, Negligence, property and debt matters as applicable.
• Provide interim support while permanent recruitment progresses.

Skills

Dispute resolution

Civil litigation

Commercial litigation

Independent caseload management

Client management

Drafting & negotiation

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Location: Cornwall - Office-Based, Hybrid or Fully Remote

Contract: Locum - 2/3 Months (Potential extension thereafter)

Start Date: Late Dec 2026 / early Jan 2027

Working Hours: Full-Time preference (could consider 4 days pw)

Hourly Rate: Circa £50 to £60ph

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Dispute Resolution Locum Solicitor to join a well-established law firm in Cornwall.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced litigation specialist to provide interim support whilst the firm continues its recruitment for a permanent appointment.

The Role

The successful candidate will independently manage a varied caseload of civil and commercial litigation matters, potentially including:

• Contentious probate and inheritance disputes.
• Contractual and commercial disputes.
• Professional negligence claims.
• Property and land disputes, including commercial lease renewals.
• Residential possession proceedings.
• Debt recovery matters.

The role will involve managing cases from initial instruction through to conclusion, including drafting pleadings and other court documents, negotiating settlements, liaising with counsel and attending hearings where required.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with approximately 6+ years' PQE in dispute resolution.
• Strong experience handling a broad range of civil and commercial litigation matters.
• Ability to manage an existing caseload independently with minimal supervision, as you will be the standalone fee earner handling litigation work at the firm.
• Excellent client management, drafting and negotiation skills.
• Availability to commence in late December 2026 or January 2027.

Flexible Working Arrangements

The firm can accommodate fully remote, hybrid or office-based working, with both full-time and part-time availability considered.

The initial assignment will be for approximately 2/3 months, with the possibility of an extension depending on the progress of the firm's permanent recruitment.