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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trade finance matters and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading London law firm known for bespoke recruitment solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and a prime Central London office location.
- Why this job: Shape the future of trade finance while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: 7+ years’ PQE in Trade Finance with strong private practice experience required.
- Other info: This is a key leadership role with potential for partnership.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 156000 £ per year.
Job Description
Legal Director – Disputes
Salary: £120,000–£160,000 + Bonus
Location: London
Join a Top-Tier International Practice
Are you an ambitious disputes lawyer ready to lead high-stakes commercial litigation for household-name clients? Our client, a prestigious international law firm with 250 years of heritage, is seeking an exceptional Legal Director to join their award-winning Dispute Resolution team in London.
This is your opportunity to work on market-defining disputes for FTSE 100 companies, shape client strategy at the highest level, and build your practice within one of the UK\’s fastest-growing disputes teams.
The Role: Legal Director – Disputes
As Legal Director, you\’ll take a leading role in managing complex commercial disputes and building enduring client relationships. You\’ll have autonomy to run your own matters, supervise and mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the strategic direction of the practice.
Your Responsibilities:
- Lead High-Value Disputes: Manage complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and ADR matters from inception to resolution
- Client Ownership: Develop and maintain close relationships with FTSE 100 companies, financial institutions, and major international businesses
- Strategic Advisory: Provide commercially astute, solutions-focused advice on fraud, global investigations, finance disputes, competition matters, and technology disputes
- Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop Associate and junior lawyers, sharing your expertise generously
- Business Development: Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships and develop new business across key sectors
- Cross-Practice Collaboration: Work alongside specialists in Corporate, Finance, Banking, Real Estate, Employment, and other practice areas to deliver integrated solutions
- Innovation Champion: Leverage AI and legal technology to enhance efficiency and client service delivery
Sectors You\’ll Work Across:
Financial services | Energy | Retail & consumer | Transport | Technology | Real Estate
About You: Essential Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 8–12+ years\’ PQE in dispute resolution
- Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
- Strong technical expertise across commercial disputes, including experience in at least two of: fraud/investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration
- Demonstrable client relationship skills with experience managing FTSE 100 or equivalent international clients
- Team leadership experience including supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
- Excellent drafting and advocacy skills with keen attention to detail
- Commercially astute with strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
- Business development mindset with ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
- Confident communicator able to engage with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders
- Resilient and adaptable with ability to manage multiple high-pressure matters simultaneously
Highly Desirable:
- Experience in international arbitration (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, or other major arbitral institutions)
- Sector specialization in financial services, energy, or technology
- Track record of business development and client origination
- Experience working in a large international law firm environment
- Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters
What\’s On Offer: Comprehensive Rewards Package
Financial:
- Competitive salary: £120,000–£160,000 (dependent on experience)
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Market-leading benefits package
Working Environment:
- Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)
- Modern London office in the heart of the city\’s business district with excellent transport links
- Collaborative, collegiate culture that values diversity, innovation, and ambition
Career Development:
- Clear progression pathway to Partner level
- Comprehensive training programmes including technical, skills-based, and leadership development
- Mentoring and coaching support tailored to your career goals
- International secondment opportunities across the firm\’s global network
- Access to cutting-edge legal technology and specialist support teams
Work Quality:
- Highest-calibre matters for some of the UK\’s most prominent clients
- Intellectually challenging work across multiple sectors and dispute types
- Exposure to landmark cases and market-defining disputes
- Full-service firm resources with seamless collaboration across 50+ practice areas
Culture & Support:
- Supportive, high-performing team environment
- Employee networks celebrating diversity and inclusion
- Firm-wide commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
- Work-life balance supported through flexible working arrangements
About Our Client
Our client is an international, full-service law firm supporting over 5,000 organizations across 100+ countries. With offices spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, plus regional coverage across Africa, India, Latin America, North America, and beyond, they are the natural choice for FTSE 100 companies and their global equivalents.
Known for award-winning innovation and a 250-year heritage of excellence, the firm combines deep sector expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.
Location & Working Arrangements
This role is based in the firm\’s London office, located in the heart of the city\’s business district with excellent access to transport links, amenities, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
The firm operates a flexible hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.
How to Apply
If you\’re ready to take the next step in your disputes career and join a leading international practice, we want to hear from you.
Contact Mara Watson today:
m.-
Please submit your CV in confidence. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to protecting your privacy. All candidate information is handled in strict confidence, and we will never share your details with any third party without your explicit written consent.
Legal Director employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the trade finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and clients. Building these connections can give you insights into the firm’s culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the law firm thoroughly. Understand their recent cases, client base, and strategic goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your business development strategies. Since the role involves generating new business, think of specific examples where you've successfully expanded client portfolios or led initiatives that resulted in growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share experiences where you've mentored junior lawyers or contributed to team strategy, as this will highlight your readiness for a senior role within the firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 7+ years of PQE in Trade Finance law. Emphasise your experience in managing complex transactions and your ability to draft and negotiate trade finance agreements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your ambition to step into a Director or Partner position. Discuss your commercial awareness and client-focused approach, and how these align with the firm's goals.
Showcase Business Development Skills: Include specific examples of how you've successfully expanded client portfolios in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability in generating new business, which is crucial for this position.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Mention any mentoring or leadership roles you've held, especially in relation to junior lawyers. This will show your readiness to contribute to team strategy and internal development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a candidate for the Legal Director position, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in trade finance. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully managed complex transactions and how your expertise can benefit the firm.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've mentored junior lawyers or led teams in previous positions. Emphasise your ability to shape team strategy and contribute to the firm's growth.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understanding the commercial aspects of trade finance is key. Be ready to discuss market trends, client needs, and how you can help the firm expand its client portfolio. This shows that you're not just a legal expert but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific trade finance issues or client situations, showcasing your analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.
