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- Tasks: Manage high-value disputes and mentor junior lawyers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a top Legal 500-recognised Dispute Resolution team in Guildford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Supportive culture focused on work-life balance and professional development.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role with real influence and career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 8+ years' experience in dispute resolution.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
Salary: £75,000 – £95,000 + Bonus
Location: Guildford
Clear Partnership Track
Are you an experienced disputes lawyer looking to step into a senior role with genuine influence, high-quality work, and a clear route to progression? This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded, Legal 500-recognised Dispute Resolution team where you will handle complex, high-value matters while playing a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and shaping the team’s future growth. Our client is known for its collaborative, human-first culture and commitment to delivering commercially focused, pragmatic advice. You will be trusted with autonomy, supported by an experienced leadership team, and exposed to a broad range of premium disputes work.
The Role: High-Quality Work with Real Responsibility
As a Senior Associate, you will take ownership of a varied and complex caseload while contributing to the wider success of the team. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing high-value contractual and shareholder disputes
- Advising clients on commercial litigation strategy, risk, and settlement options
- Handling matters across:
- Commercial disputes
- Debt recovery
- Financial services litigation
- Professional negligence
Team & Environment
You will join a well-structured and supportive Guildford-based team comprising:
- Partner leadership
- Legal Director
- Senior Associates, Associates, and Solicitors
- Dedicated Paralegal and support staff
The wider Dispute Resolution group operates across multiple offices, offering cross-office collaboration and exposure to diverse, high-quality work.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
- Approximately 8+ years’ PQE in dispute resolution (flexibility for strong candidates)
- Proven experience handling contractual and shareholder disputes
- Strong technical ability in commercial litigation and dispute strategy
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
- Confidence managing your own caseload and advising clients directly
- Experience or interest in supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
Desirable:
- Experience in construction disputes
- Exposure to ADR, mediation, and settlement negotiations
- Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills
Career Progression
- Career pathway towards Legal Director and Partnership
- Opportunity to play a key role in team growth and leadership
- Ongoing professional development and mentoring responsibilities
- Exposure to high-profile, complex disputes work
Salary & Benefits
- £75,000 – £95,000 base salary (dependent on experience)
- Performance-related bonus
- Hybrid working (flexible office/home split)
- Private healthcare
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Structured career progression framework
- Supportive, collaborative culture with a focus on work-life balance
Location & Working Arrangements
- Guildford office
- Hybrid working model (flexible approach)
- Full-time, with openness to alternative working patterns where appropriate
Next Steps
If you would like to explore this opportunity in confidence, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch 0333 996 2882 d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Alternatively, apply now to receive further details and a confidential discussion. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution in Guildford employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution in Guildford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in handling complex disputes. Share specific examples of your work and how you’ve contributed to successful outcomes. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the firm and its Dispute Resolution team. Understand their recent cases and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Practising common interview questions can also give you the confidence to shine during the real deal.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our collaborative culture and contribute to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in dispute resolution. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical ability in commercial litigation, be sure to include specific examples of cases you've handled. We love seeing your drafting skills and attention to detail in action!
Highlight Mentoring Experience: As a Senior Associate, you'll be mentoring junior lawyers. If you have experience in this area, make it known! We appreciate candidates who can contribute to team growth and support others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of dispute resolution, especially around contractual and shareholder disputes. Familiarise yourself with recent case law and trends in commercial litigation to show that you're not just experienced but also current.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior lawyers, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Think of specific examples where you've successfully guided others or contributed to team growth, as this will demonstrate your fit for the collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle complex disputes or advise clients on litigation strategies. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will highlight your technical ability and confidence in managing your own caseload.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team's future growth or the firm's approach to client relationships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career goals.