Managing Associate – Commercial Disputes

Job Description

Managing Associate Commercial Disputes

Location: Leeds

Salary: Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 5 Years PQE

We are expanding our Commercial Disputes team and seeking an ambitious Managing Associate to play a pivotal role in driving our practice forward. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with UK and International Partners on client relationship development and team expansion.

Our client a nationally recognised law firm with a strong reputation for innovative dispute resolution is looking for a talented Commercial Disputes lawyer. The team is known for its commercial and strategic approach to resolving complex business disputes across multiple sectors.

If youre an experienced Commercial Disputes lawyer with 5 years PQE looking to progress your career in a supportive high-performing environment this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Managing Associate in the Commercial Disputes team youll be part of a dynamic group recognised across UK and international markets for delivering sophisticated dispute resolution strategies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Handling complex commercial disputes across various sectors including:
  • Retail
  • Transport
  • Digital
  • Food and drink
  • Health
  • Industrial
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Financial services
• Strategically deploying dispute resolution methods including:
  • Court proceedings
  • Arbitral proceedings
  • Negotiation
  • Mediation
  • Adjudication
• Working closely with non-contentious colleagues to understand transaction backgrounds
• Developing and maintaining client relationships with blue-chip companies and high net worth individuals
• Collaborating across practice areas and industry groups
• Fostering client-focused approaches including exploring AI and innovative service tools
• Supporting and developing less experienced colleagues
• Contributing to the teams growth and business development efforts
• Engaging in continuous professional development

This role offers the opportunity to work on high-calibre matters with a team known for its commercial and innovative approach to dispute resolution.

What Were Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 5 years post-qualification experience
• Proven track record in commercial disputes
• Strong experience in formal and alternative dispute resolution methods
• Excellent client relationship management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and practice areas
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Proactive approach to professional development
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to mentor and support junior colleagues

Desirable:

• Experience across multiple industry sectors
• Track record of business development
• Understanding of emerging technologies in legal practice
• Experience with AI and innovative legal service tools
• Additional dispute resolution qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary ( dependent on experience)
• Performance-related bonuses
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Life and income protection

Professional Development:

• Extensive training programmes
• Mentoring and coaching opportunities
• Leadership development support
• Continuous learning resources
• Technical and skills-based training

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave
• Family-friendly policies
• Wellbeing support programmes

Culture & Recognition:

• Supportive and collegiate environment
• Culture of improvement growth and collaboration
• Diverse and inclusive workplace
• Employee networks celebrating diversity
• Recognition for high-character colleagues

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Leeds office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Supported with flexible arrangements
National Reach: Part of a team operating across UK offices

About Our Client

Our client is a leading law firm committed to delivering technical excellence real client insight and innovative solutions. The firm prides itself on a culture of collaboration continuous improvement and supporting talent from the widest range of backgrounds.

Core Values:

• Technical excellence
• Client understanding
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Diversity and inclusion

Ready to Take the Next Step

If youre an experienced Commercial Disputes lawyer looking to join a high-performing team with exceptional development opportunities wed love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
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