Litigation Solicitor in Darlington

BHP Law is a long-established regional law firm combining high quality commercial & private client services with offices in Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Tynemouth.

We are looking to recruit an Litigation Solicitor to join our busy Dispute Resolution team.

This is a permanent, full-time position.

Your Role

As a Litigation Solicitor within our Dispute Resolution team, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation to a diverse client base, including businesses, organisations and private individuals. You will manage your own caseload of contentious matters, delivering practical, commercially focused solutions while maintaining the highest standards of client care and professional conduct.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and ambitious solicitor who enjoys varied and challenging work, building strong client relationships and contributing to the growth and success of a well-established legal practice.

Case Management & Legal Advice

• Managing a varied caseload of dispute resolution matters from inception through to conclusion.
• Providing clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice to clients.
• Advising on litigation strategy, risks, costs, settlement opportunities and enforcement options.
• Conducting legal research and preparing detailed legal documentation.
• Drafting correspondence, witness statements, pleadings, applications, settlement agreements and other court documents.
• Negotiating settlements and representing clients in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediation.
• Instructing and liaising with counsel, experts and other third parties where required.
• Preparing matters for trial and attending hearings where appropriate.

Typical Areas of Work

The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of contentious matters, which may include:

• Commercial disputes
• Contract disputes
• Debt recovery
• Property litigation and landlord & tenant disputes
• Boundary and neighbour disputes
• Professional negligence claims
• Consumer disputes
• Contentious probate matters
• Partnership and shareholder disputes
• Business disputes
• Construction and building disputes
• Civil litigation matters
• Enforcement of judgments and recovery actions

Client Care & Business Development

• Providing exceptional levels of client service and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Keeping clients fully informed regarding progress, costs and likely outcomes.
• Identifying opportunities to cross-refer work across the firm's departments.
• Supporting the firm's business development and networking activities.
• Assisting with the preparation of articles, legal updates, marketing content and presentations.
• Building and maintaining professional contacts to generate new business opportunities.

Team Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the department and wider firm.
• Delegating work effectively and reviewing documentation produced by support staff.
• Assisting with training and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Informing the Partner of any significant issues, risks or concerns as they arise.
• Following firm policies, procedures and regulatory requirements at all times.

Professional Standards

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and procedural rules.
• Meeting Continuing Competence and professional development requirements.
• Ensuring accurate file management, billing and time recording.
• Maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Complying with all regulatory and compliance obligations.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor admitted to the Solicitors' Roll in England and Wales with more than 2+PQE (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrable experience handling litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil litigation procedure and relevant legislation.
• Experience managing a caseload independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to provide practical legal solutions.
• Exceptional client care and relationship management skills.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong IT proficiency and ability to utilise case management systems effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team whilst also managing matters independently.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of business development and networking activities.
• Existing professional contacts and referrer relationships.
• Experience supervising/supporting trainees or support staff.
• Good advocacy skills (advantageous but not essential).
• Higher Rights of Audience (advantageous but not essential).

Key Competencies

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Technical legal excellence
• Commercial awareness
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Client-focused approach
• Effective negotiation skills
• Strong organisational ability
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Leadership and mentoring capability
• Professional integrity and accountability
• Resilience and adaptability

Why Join BHP Law?

At BHP Law, you'll have the opportunity to work on a genuinely varied caseload, collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines and play a key role in helping clients navigate disputes. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where your contribution is recognised, your development is encouraged, and you are empowered to build a rewarding and successful career.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the business and the development of the role.