Commercial Litigation Lawyer - Exeter

About the firm

Our client is a highly regarded, award-winning regional firm with a reputation for quality work and strong collaboration, both with colleagues and clients, in order to develop lasting relationships. With their focus on quality, professionalism and accessibility, they provide tailored legal solutions and trusted advice that exceeds expectations and delivers positive outcomes for their valued clients. The firm has been evolving over the past 12 months and as part of this, their approach to Dispute Resolution is changing. Now seeking to move from a general litigation practice to a specialist team model, the firm is seeking to define and expand the distinct litigation practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, Property Litigation, Civil Litigation and Inheritance Disputes. As part of this growth, there is huge scope for progression to senior level and a potential future leadership role for someone with the right blend of technical skills, personal motivation and commercial awareness.

About the role

As the firm transitions from a general litigation practice, you can expect the existing caseload to be a blend of contentious matters ranging from contract disputes to probate, property and a small proportion of professional negligence claims work. However, the focus of this role is to establish a specific Commercial Litigation practice over time, supporting the development of the team and working closely with other teams across Dispute Resolution. Collaboration with other teams in order to provide seamless and exemplary client service is key, with a focus on building relationships with the Corporate & Commercial and Insolvency teams. It is likely that you will have the opportunity to supervise and support the development of an Associate who will be specialising in Inheritance Disputes work, requiring close cooperation with the well established Private Client team. The firm prides itself on its ‘home-grown’ lawyers and ability to attract, develop and retain top talent, so you can be expect to be well supported and encouraged by colleagues and partners across the firm. You’ll be encouraged to engage in business development activities, promoting your own profile with referrer contacts in the region along with that of the firm. As part of an actively collaborative culture, you will benefit from client introductions from colleagues, and reciprocate where you can whilst promoting the best interests of your clients. Depending upon your preference, you will be based from offices in Exeter, Torquay or Plymouth with hybrid working.

About you

A motivated and experienced Commercial Litigation Lawyer who is seeking to take the next step in your career, you will have several years’ UK based post qualified experience, with the ability to independently manage a varied litigation caseload at the outset. Already at Associate or Senior Associate level, you are technically skilled and feel confident handling complex matters, listening to your clients and providing clear, commercially appropriate and relevant advice every time. We’ll need you to be willing to be flexible during the period of transition away from the general litigation practice, in order for you to focus on developing a Commercial Litigation practice which aligns with the maturation of other teams within Dispute Resolution. You are likely to have gained some experience of managing team members, allocating work and providing quality supervision in your current or previous role, being a strong communicator with a positive approach to developing individuals in their technical skills and confidence. Equally, you have a positive approach to working collaboratively with other fee earner teams and support colleagues to promote cross-referrals and delivery of exemplary client care. An enthusiasm for business development will be important in this role in order to develop and grow the practice, gaining new client instructions and referrals. You will understand how to generate new business opportunities for your team and the wider firm, promoting your profile and building up referrer networks. You consider yourself to be a resilient and collegiate lawyer who enjoys delivering exceptional client service and encourage your team to do the same. You have developed a passion for working with a wide range of clients, providing appropriate, insightful and commercially relevant advice to meet with their specific needs and interests. You focus on keeping up to date with the latest legal developments affecting Commercial Litigation and work proactively to consider potential impact on your clients. You are readily able to demonstrate your strong analytical and communication skills and work strategically with clients and as part of a team. Being resilient to work under pressure by organising yourself effectively, you will be able to meet deadlines as needed. You will possess proven rapport building skills and you are tenacious, thorough, and attentive to detail, taking pride in the high standards of your work.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus Bank Holidays
• Birthday leave
• NHS Cash Top-Up Benefit through the Western Provident Association (WPA)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership of Mindful Employer
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Firm pension scheme
• Death in Service benefit

For an informal discussion about this opportunity without commitment and in confidence, please contact Charlotte Ferguson, Recruitment Manager at cferguson@cathedralappointments.co.uk or call 07342 840879.