Job Title: Head of Dispute Resolution
Salary: up to £80,000
Overview:
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded solicitor to lead our Dispute Resolution Department. With expertise spanning both contentious and non-contentious work, the Head of Dispute Resolution will oversee a wide variety of legal services including commercial litigation, contract disputes, and corporate advisory matters. This senior role combines leadership, technical excellence, client relationship development, and business growth responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Departmental Oversight
*Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing Dispute Resolution team.
*Manage workflow allocation, staff supervision, and performance reviews.
*Cultivate a supportive, professional culture with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and client care.
*Drive cross-departmental collaboration,
*Contribute to firmwide strategic planning as a key member of the leadership team.
Legal Expertise & Casework
*Handle a broad range of litigation and advisory matters, including:
*Contractual and commercial disputes
*Shareholder and partnership disputes
*Professional negligence
*Construction and engineering disputes
*Contentious probate and trust matters
*Property litigation

Client Relationship Management
*Maintain and develop strong relationships with new and existing clients.
*Provide clear, pragmatic advice and high levels of personal service.
*Uphold the firm’s reputation for responsiveness, quality, and trusted legal guidance.
Compliance, Risk & Best Practice
*Ensure compliance with SRA Code of Conduct, AML regulations, and firm policies.
*Conduct regular file reviews and supervise case progression and risk assessments.
*Support CQS, Lexcel, and other professional accreditation processes as needed.
Business Development & Marketing
*Actively contribute to the firm’s business development strategy.
*Develop new streams of work through networking, client recommendations, and thought leadership.
*Engage in speaking, writing, and professional association activities (e.g. ACTAPS, PNLA).
Financial Management
*Monitor and report on departmental budgets, WIP, and billing targets.
*Support pricing strategies and cost estimates.
*Lead on initiatives to improve profitability, client retention, and matter efficiency.
Qualifications and Experience:
*Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales), with at least 10+ years’ PQE.
*Strong track record in both contentious and non-contentious commercial work.
*Prior leadership or team management experience within a law firm environment.