Head of Dispute Resolution

Job Title: Head of Dispute Resolution

Salary: up to £95,000

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.