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- Tasks: Lead the Disputes team, driving growth and market share in commercial disputes.
- Company: Dynamic advisory firm with a strong international presence and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, share options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking firm and make a real impact in the field of disputes.
- Qualifications: Expertise in commercial disputes, with experience in testifying and cross-examination.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a low attrition environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
My client is a nationwide Advisory firm with strong international affiliations. Specialising in Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Valuations, Forensics, Restructuring/Debt Advisory and more, the firm is unencumbered by an audit or tax compliance base, and expansion has been predominantly organic with the occasional acquisition. The majority of matters are referred from law firms, making it consistently fertile territory for Expert work. The whole firm is superbly positioned to pivot with the ever-fluid economic landscape, being a longstanding trusted advisor to its clients in navigating complexity, seizing opportunities and achieving sustainable growth.
The Forensic function is a rare entity in the market in that it encompasses a competitively wide range of matters, with at this stage no especial bias or "lean." Broadly speaking these include investigations, risk & compliance, commercial and shareholder/valuation disputes. It has been supported by an FTech function since inception. The team has on-the-ground presence and leadership from north to south in the UK, so is not trying to service everything just from a London hub. There is an established, "proper pyramid" delivery model which includes graduate trainees and many experienced hires who have chosen to join from larger firms. Directors/Partners are therefore genuinely empowered to originate, grow, lead and mentor. The team also benefits from a very low attrition rate.
With 2026 predicted to be a bumper year for Litigation, this is a superb opportunity to capitalise, from a platform with few conflicts, a proper cross-functional go-to-market approach and an agile pricing structure.
While proven in many aspects of Expert work, the leadership now recognise this is the right time to bring in a more dedicated Head of Disputes to take further market share. The firm typically operates in the mid-market/mid-ticket but in Forensics they have also demonstrated the ability to regularly attract 6-figure billing cases. You will be at full liberty to use your commercial discretion on what you want to build/pursue, and be backed with the spend to do it. The culture is very much "why not" as opposed to "why" and they pride themselves on response-times; conflict checks are very quick here, for example.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- UK-based Expert in commercial disputes and/or arbitration
- You’ll have testified/been cross-examined at least a couple of times
- Billings of £1 million (ideally from a broad range of case sizes and industries)
- Collaborator as opposed to "empire builder"
What you’ll get in return:
- Qualitative: See points above
- Quantitative: Healthy base draw
- Bonus as a % of billings
- Additional, behaviour-led discretionary bonuses
- Share options
Head of Disputes: independent advisory firm in London employer: hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
Contact Detail:
hays-gcj-v4-pd-online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Disputes: independent advisory firm in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly and understand their values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like commercial disputes and arbitration. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes and how you've navigated complex disputes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Disputes: independent advisory firm in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Disputes role. Highlight your expertise in commercial disputes and any relevant leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Don’t forget to mention your experience with high-value cases!
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes where possible. If you've achieved significant billings or led successful dispute resolutions, let us know! Numbers speak volumes and can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial disputes and arbitration. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, especially any instances where you've testified or been cross-examined. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This firm values collaboration over empire-building. Prepare examples from your career where you’ve worked effectively in a team, mentored others, or contributed to a collective goal. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with their culture.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Given the firm's focus on navigating the ever-fluid economic landscape, be prepared to discuss current trends in the market, particularly in forensic work and litigation. Showing that you understand the broader context will demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Embrace the 'Why Not' Culture
The firm prides itself on a culture of innovation and quick response times. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for taking initiative and exploring new opportunities. Share ideas on how you could help the firm capture more market share in the disputes space.
