At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle diverse commercial litigation and advise clients on strategy and risk management.
- Company: Innovative litigation practice with a flexible, remote-first culture.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, no billable hours, fully remote work, and potential four-day week.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and tackle meaningful disputes without traditional law firm pressures.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in commercial litigation and strong client advisory skills.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and work-life balance while engaging in high-quality litigation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity for an experienced commercial litigator to join an alternative disputes practice, operating outside the traditional law-firm model. This role offers high-level contentious work, exceptional flexibility and a sustainable approach to practice, without billing targets, client origination pressure or City-firm hours.
What You'll Be Doing
- Handling a wide range of commercial litigation, from lower-value disputes through to complex, multi-million-pound High Court claims
- Advising retained clients on live disputes, risk management and litigation strategy as issues arise
- Working closely with barristers and senior colleagues in a barrister-led model, with early exposure to strategy, advocacy and tactical decision-making
- Managing matters end-to-end, including pleadings, applications, ADR and trial preparation
- Acting as a trusted adviser to clients with ongoing relationships, rather than one-off instructions
- Supporting junior lawyers within the team and contributing to the overall strength of the commercial litigation function
About You
- This role will suit a commercially minded litigator who enjoys disputes work but is looking for a more flexible, sustainable way of practising.
- 5+ years' PQE with strong experience in commercial litigation
- Comfortable handling complex disputes and advising clients directly
- Background from a regional, national or City firm welcomed
- No sector background required; curiosity and commercial judgement matter more than prior specialism
- Confident working autonomously within a collaborative team structure
- Someone seeking long-term balance without stepping away from high-quality litigation
What's on Offer
- This is a role designed to remove many of the pressure points associated with traditional private practice.
- Six-figure salary available, flexible depending on experience
- No billable hour targets and no client origination requirements
- Work allocated via retained clients rather than fee-chasing
- Fully remote working available, with the option of being South West based or hybrid working if preferred
- Full-time role preferred, but a four-day week will be considered for exceptional candidates
- Exposure to meaningful, heavyweight litigation without City hours or commute
The Firm
You will be joining a specialist litigation practice operating under a hybrid barrister-solicitor model, acting as long-term legal partner to clients across a single, highly active sector. The firm works on a retained basis rather than traditional hourly billing, allowing lawyers to focus on quality advice, strategy and outcomes rather than time recording. The team is deliberately lean, highly experienced and has operated a remote-first model for many years, long before flexible working became mainstream. The result is a practice that combines serious disputes work with autonomy, trust and work-life balance.
Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential discussion.
Commercial Litigation Senior Associate in Manchester employer: JMC Legal Recruitment
Contact Detail:
JMC Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Litigation Senior Associate in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its unique approach. Understand their model and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience in commercial litigation and how you can contribute to their team. Highlight your ability to manage complex disputes and your desire for a sustainable work-life balance – it’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Litigation Senior Associate in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in commercial litigation and how it aligns with our unique approach at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring your skills to our team!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your past roles; tell us about the specific cases you've handled and the strategies you've employed. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially those complex disputes that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick as a litigator. Share your motivations and why you're drawn to a more flexible, sustainable practice like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JMC Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial litigation knowledge. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and trends in the field, especially those relevant to the firm's focus. This will show that you're not just a qualified solicitor but also genuinely interested in the work they do.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific cases you've handled, particularly complex disputes. Highlight your role in advising clients and managing litigation strategies. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to work autonomously while still being a team player.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Think of questions that reflect your understanding of the firm's unique model. Inquire about their approach to client relationships and how they manage disputes without traditional billing pressures. This shows you're engaged and have done your homework.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Since this role promotes a sustainable approach to practice, be ready to discuss how you value work-life balance. Share your thoughts on maintaining high-quality work while enjoying flexibility, which aligns perfectly with what the firm is offering.