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- Tasks: Lead high-stakes commercial litigation and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a top-tier international law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and structured development support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and make an impact in complex disputes while building client relationships.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8-12+ years of senior-level disputes experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
If you’re a senior disputes lawyer looking to lead complex, high-value work and build long-term client relationships, this is a standout opportunity to join a top-tier Dispute Resolution team in Manchester. You’ll take real ownership of matters, work closely with senior stakeholders, and play a visible role in developing the team and wider practice.
This role offers a mix of high-stakes commercial litigation and broader disputes advisory work, with scope to shape strategy, mentor others and contribute to business development.
- Lead complex commercial litigation, arbitration and ADR matters from inception to resolution
- Build and maintain close client relationships and act as a trusted adviser
- Advise on a range of disputes, including fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition matters and technology disputes
- Supervise, mentor and develop associates and junior lawyers
- Contribute to business development and profile-raising activity
- Collaborate with colleagues across corporate, finance, real estate, employment and other practice areas
- Use legal technology and process improvement to enhance client service delivery
About You
Essential
- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales
- Strong senior-level disputes experience (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)
- Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
- Strong technical capability across commercial disputes, with experience in at least two of: fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration
- Confident client relationship skills, with experience advising major corporates and senior stakeholders
- Team leadership experience, including supervision and mentoring
- Excellent drafting skills and strong attention to detail
- Commercially astute, solutions-focused approach
- Business development mindset and ability to identify growth opportunities
- Resilient and adaptable, able to manage multiple high-pressure matters
Desirable
- International arbitration experience (for example, ICC, LCIA, SIAC or similar)
- Sector strength in financial services, energy and/or technology
- Track record of client origination and business development
- Experience in a large, international law firm environment
- Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters
What’s On Offer
- Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus
- Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)
- High-quality disputes work with strong client exposure
- Supportive, high-performing team environment
- Clear progression pathway and structured development support
- Training programmes, mentoring and coaching
- Access to legal technology and specialist support teams
- Inclusive culture with employee networks and a focus on wellbeing
About Our Client
Our client is a large, international, full-service law firm with a strong disputes capability and a collaborative culture. The firm supports major organisations across multiple jurisdictions and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-led approach.
Location & Working Arrangements
Manchester. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.
Legal Director - Dispute Resolution in Manchester 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 - Dispute Resolution in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who are already in dispute resolution. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex commercial litigation and your client relationship skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of just waiting for roles to pop up, reach out directly to firms you admire. Express your interest in their dispute resolution team and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of resources and support to help you land that Legal Director role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director - Dispute Resolution in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Director role. Highlight your senior-level disputes experience and any specific cases or projects that showcase your skills in managing complex commercial litigation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you’re passionate about dispute resolution and how your experience aligns with the firm's needs. Don’t forget to mention your client relationship skills and business development mindset.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and supervising others, be sure to highlight your team leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed junior lawyers or contributed to a collaborative team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around complex commercial litigation and the specific areas mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with high-value disputes and how you've successfully managed them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Legal Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've developed junior lawyers or contributed to team success in previous roles. This will show that you're not just a great lawyer, but also a strong leader.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since client relationships are key in this role, practice building rapport during your interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their work, and share relevant anecdotes that highlight your client relationship skills.
✨Think Business Development
This role requires a business development mindset, so come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to the firm's growth. Think about your past successes in client origination and be ready to discuss how you can leverage your network to bring in new business.