At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the CMA’s litigation function and manage a high-performing team of litigators.
- Company: Join the UK's principal competition and consumer protection authority, the CMA.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile legal cases in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified lawyer with strong litigation experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
About us
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s principal competition and consumer protection authority, using a wide and growing range of powers to deliver high‑profile, complex work in the public interest. For litigators, the CMA offers a uniquely varied and challenging environment, with regular litigation in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and various other courts and tribunals. You’ll undertake cutting‑edge, high‑profile work spanning merger control, digital markets, competition and consumer enforcement, markets and subsidy advice.
Your role
Reporting to the General Counsel, you will share senior responsibility for leading and managing the CMA’s litigation function, providing senior oversight of all civil litigation and strategic advice to senior decision makers. You will lead the CMA’s litigation team of approximately 30 litigators and have direct line management responsibility for four Litigation Directors, while working closely with Senior Legal Directors and other Executive and Senior Directors. As a key member of the Legal Service Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the leadership and development of the wider CMA Legal Service (around 150 lawyers and other professionals).
What you’ll do
- Lead the CMA’s litigation function, accountable for civil litigation and high‑quality, robust legal advice on complex and high‑profile matters.
- Oversee delivery and resources, ensuring effective allocation, budget oversight, financial reporting, and timely, strategic advice across the CMA’s work.
- Build and lead a high‑performing team, developing litigators, fostering innovation and integrated working, and managing key external relationships while representing the CMA.
About you
You will be a fully qualified lawyer entitled to practise in England and Wales, with outstanding litigation experience (including some competition law, public law and/or consumer protection law), strong strategic judgement, and the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and external counterparts. You will bring excellent leadership and people management skills, with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The benefits
Your benefits package will include a competitive contributory pension scheme and generous annual leave, plus opportunities for flexible and hybrid working. The package also includes childcare benefits, season ticket, and bicycle loans. The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer in the UK and we want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us. In return for your dedication, you will enjoy our commitment to your career and development.
Closing date: 2 June 2026.
Senior Litigation Director in London employer: Competition and Markets Authority
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and challenging environment for Senior Litigation Directors. With a strong commitment to employee development, a competitive benefits package including flexible working options, and a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, the CMA fosters a collaborative work culture that empowers its team to excel in high-profile legal matters. Located at the heart of the UK's legal landscape, this role provides unique opportunities to influence significant competition and consumer protection cases while leading a talented team of litigators.
Contact Detail:
Competition and Markets Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Litigation Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former CMA employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into recent CMA cases. Show us you know your stuff and can discuss how your experience aligns with their high-profile work in competition law.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a Senior Litigation Director, we want to hear how you’ve built and led teams before. Share specific examples that highlight your management style and success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CMA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Litigation Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in litigation, especially in competition law and public law. We want to see how your background aligns with the unique challenges we face at the CMA.
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Senior Litigation Director, you'll be leading a team of around 30 litigators. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love to see examples of fostering innovation and collaboration!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Highlight your key achievements and experiences without unnecessary jargon. Remember, we’re looking for high-quality, robust legal advice, so let that shine through.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the CMA. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Competition and Markets Authority
✨Know Your Litigation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your litigation experience, especially in competition law and public law. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how they relate to the CMA's work. This shows you understand the unique challenges they face.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Litigation Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed resources, and fostered innovation in previous roles. Highlight your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion as well.
✨Understand the CMA's Role
Familiarise yourself with the CMA's mission and recent high-profile cases. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their litigation function. It’s all about showing you’re on the same page!
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions that assess your strategic judgement and ability to influence senior stakeholders. Think about scenarios where you've had to provide robust legal advice under pressure. Practising these discussions will help you feel more confident during the interview.
