Associate - Commercial Litigation

Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Commercial Litigation team in Sheffield at Associate level. This role involves managing a personal caseload of complex commercial litigation matters, while also providing support on high-value and strategically significant cases alongside senior colleagues. You will be responsible for maintaining direct client relationships, ensuring the highest standards of client care at all times, and acting as a trusted adviser to a broad range of clients and professional contacts. You will play a key role in developing and sustaining strong working relationships, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently, effectively, and in line with client expectations. The role also involves providing technical expertise, leadership, and supervision to junior team members, supporting their professional development and contributing to a culture of excellence across the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and commercially minded approach, with a strong commitment to client service and a willingness to support colleagues and contribute positively to the wider team. Applications are also welcomed from candidates wishing to be based in our Leeds, York or Derby offices.

Key Responsibilities

Fee‑Earning

• Manage a varied caseload of commercial litigation matters that can include:
• Contractual disputes
• Commercial property disputes
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Professional negligence disputes
• Debt Recovery disputes
• As well as managing a personal caseload of litigated matters, this role is responsible for supporting on more complex matters alongside senior members of the team;
• Ensure matters are kept up to date in systems and new advancements are communicated to clients and the relevant team members;
• Record all time in the Tikit system, including non‑billable activities;
• Take responsibility for managing the client experience. Attend client meetings where necessary;
• Take a keen interest in business development for the department and contribute where required;
• Support departmental audits as and when required;
• Take on additional tasks as reasonably required by the Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution;
• Conduct legal research where required; and
• Demonstrate a meticulous approach with great attention to detail.

Assisting Management

• Attend monthly fee‑earner meetings and contribute as a senior member of the team;
• Attend regular one‑to‑one meetings with the Head of Department to report on departmental priorities and financial performance;
• Work proactively with the Head of Department to support team performance and development;
• Monitor team capacity and assist with effective delegation of work where required.

Business Development

• Take an active role in managing the client experience and attend client meetings where necessary;
• Support the renewal process for existing clients to ensure a proactive and seamless approach;
• Prepare and deliver external training sessions for prospective and existing clients;
• Contribute to business development initiatives and report on related activity to senior management.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Have at significant PQE in Commercial Litigation.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Possess exceptional client care skills.
• Be highly motivated and able to add value to the role.
• Be able to demonstrate proactive management of matters.
• Possess networking and client development skills.

Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Life insurance
• Great working environment at our Derby head offices
• Career development opportunities
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
• 1 week’s holiday carry over
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Staff card discount scheme for local shops
• Social days and evenings on the firm
• Monthly food on the firm for all staff
• Staff discounts on legal services

Department: Commercial

Location: Sheffield

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