Commercial Litigation Senior Associate

Leading International Firm | Commercial Disputes Senior Associate | 6+ Years PQE

Take a lead role in the largest and most highly regarded commercial disputes team in the Manchester market, managing complex, high-value matters for blue-chip clients, with a clear pathway to leadership.

The Firm
This is a leading international business law firm with a significant UK footprint and a reputation for technical excellence, commercial insight, and innovation. It advises a broad range of FTSE 100 and equivalent clients across sectors including financial services, retail, energy, transport, digital, and healthcare. The firm is consistently recognised by independent commentators as one of the strongest disputes and investigations practices in the country.

Culturally, the firm is collaborative, supportive, and people-focused. It has been named Law Firm of the Year, recognised for innovation across multiple years, and is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating an environment where ambitious lawyers can build long-term, rewarding careers. Hybrid working is embedded, and leadership development is a priority.

The Team
The Commercial Disputes team in Manchester is the largest practice of its kind in the region and is described by market commentators as the strongest litigation team in the area by some margin. It handles the full spectrum of complex disputes, including contractual claims, corporate disputes, fraud, finance, insurance, IP, IT, competition, and property litigation. The team is known for its commercial and innovative approach, combining formal court and arbitral proceedings with strategic use of negotiation, mediation, and adjudication.

The team works closely with non-contentious colleagues to ensure a deep understanding of the transactions behind the disputes, which gives it a significant edge when facing magic circle and major City firms. Clients include blue-chip companies, public sector bodies, and high-net-worth individuals across a wide range of sectors.

The Role
You will take a lead role on significant, complex disputes, managing matters with real autonomy and acting as a key point of contact for major clients. You will supervise and mentor junior lawyers, contributing to their development and the continued strength of the team. Alongside your caseload, you will play an active part in business development and client relationship management, helping to shape the strategic direction of the Manchester practice.

You will have access to formal business development training and a structured progression framework. The firm expects this role to lead naturally towards Director and Partnership for the right candidate, and you will be supported every step of the way.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified solicitor with 6+ years' PQE in commercial disputes, gained at a highly regarded firm

• A proven track record of managing complex, high-value disputes with significant client responsibility

• Excellent drafting, communication, and negotiation skills, combined with a commercial and strategic approach

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers, with a genuine appetite to develop others

• Self-motivated, with a demonstrable interest in business development and practice growth

• A collaborative leader who thrives in a cross-office, cross-border environment

What's on Offer

• A senior role in the largest and strongest commercial disputes team in Manchester

• Leadership of high-calibre, complex matters for major clients, often opposite leading City firms

• A clear pathway to Director and Partnership, supported by structured development and BD training

• A collaborative, inclusive culture within a firm consistently recognised for innovation and people-first values

• Competitive senior-level remuneration and comprehensive benefits, with hybrid working

Apply now for a confidential conversation.