Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution

Job Description

Senior Associate Dispute Resolution

Salary: Bonus

Location: Guildford

Clear Partnership Track

Are you an experienced disputes lawyer looking to step into a senior role with genuine influence high-quality work and a clear route to progression This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded Legal 500-recognised Dispute Resolution team where you will handle complex high-value matters while playing a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and shaping the teams future growth.

Our client is known for its collaborative human-first culture and commitment to delivering commercially focused pragmatic advice. You will be trusted with autonomy supported by an experienced leadership team and exposed to a broad range of premium disputes work.

The Role: High-Quality Work with Real Responsibility

As a Senior Associate you will take ownership of a varied and complex caseload while contributing to the wider success of the team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing high-value contractual and shareholder disputes
• Advising clients on commercial litigation strategy risk and settlement options
• Handling matters across:
  • Commercial disputes
  • Debt recovery
  • Financial services litigation
  • Professional negligence
• Drafting pleadings witness statements and court applications
• Attending mediations hearings and other dispute resolution forums
• Supporting senior lawyers on complex multi-faceted matters
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development and client relationship management

Team & Environment

You will join a well-structured and supportive Guildford-based team comprising:

• Partner leadership
• Legal Director
• Senior Associates Associates and Solicitors
• Dedicated Paralegal and support staff

The wider Dispute Resolution group operates across multiple offices offering cross-office collaboration and exposure to diverse high-quality work.

What Were Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Approximately 8 years PQE in dispute resolution (flexibility for strong candidates)
• Proven experience handling contractual and shareholder disputes
• Strong technical ability in commercial litigation and dispute strategy
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
• Confidence managing your own caseload and advising clients directly
• Experience or interest in supervising and mentoring junior lawyers

Desirable:

• Experience in construction disputes
• Exposure to ADR mediation and settlement negotiations
• Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills

Career Progression

• Career pathway towards Legal Director and Partnership
• Opportunity to play a key role in team growth and leadership
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring responsibilities
• Exposure to high-profile complex disputes work

Salary & Benefits

• base salary (dependent on experience)
• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working (flexible office/home split)
• Private healthcare
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Structured career progression framework
• Supportive collaborative culture with a focus on work-life balance

Location & Working Arrangements

• Guildford office
• Hybrid working model (flexible approach)
• Full-time with openness to alternative working patterns where appropriate

Next Steps

If you would like to explore this opportunity in confidence please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
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Alternatively apply now to receive further details and a confidential discussion.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.