Dispute Resolution/Litigation Associate Solicitor (NQ-3 Year PQE) in Haywards Heath

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded dispute resolution / litigation associate solicitor to join us at The Jonathan Lea Network as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake an interesting and challenging mix of civil and commercial work, including corporate, property and intellectual property disputes.

Depending on experience, we can offer a starting salary of between £40K and £65k per annum. Full time regular hours are Monday to Thursday 9am – 6pm and Friday 9am – 5pm, although those who achieve and bill more will be rewarded with improved salary and faster career progression.

Benefits include a generous commission scheme which can significantly increase your salary if you are able to introduce new clients and work to the firm. We also have a strong social side to the business and regularly organise team events, dinners and parties. We are open to discussing and agreeing flexible working arrangements, although we will require at least some of your time to be spent regularly in the office.

About JLN: JLN is a modern, forward-thinking, full-service law firm based in Mid-Sussex, advising clients across England and Wales and internationally. We are known for combining strong technical expertise with a personable, pragmatic approach to client service. We are committed to high-quality legal work within a collaborative, supportive and open working environment, supported by a strong team culture and active social side.

The Role: From joining you will be reporting to and, where needed, supervised by two senior dispute resolution solicitors. You will also be expected to delegate to and help manage several trainee solicitors and paralegals who undertake litigation work, while our remote network of experienced consultant solicitors will assist you on matters relating to their expertise. You will be given as much responsibility as you can handle and be able to run your own files and be the main point of contact for clients.

The role is varied and involves advising on disputes across practice areas, including:

• property
• corporate / commercial
• employment
• wills and probate

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Managing a varied dispute resolution caseload for business and individual clients
• Running matters independently and collaboratively
• Acting as a trusted, professional adviser to clients
• Taking introductory video calls and converting new enquiries
• Engaging with AI and legal technology embedded in JLN’s working practices
• Contributing to marketing, networking and business development initiatives

The Ideal Candidate: You will be:

• a qualified solicitor (NQ–3 year PQE) with experience in civil or commercial litigation
• experience of active County Court / High Court litigation
• a good background in at least some of the relevant areas of law
• an ability to work well independently and use your own initiative, but also react positively to close supervision
• an open and friendly demeanour which thrives in a highly collaborative team environment
• a meticulous eye for detail and an eloquent and precise way with words
• high service and presentation standards
• IT adroitness and AI savviness
• a genuine passion for entrepreneurship, business and commercial legal work
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• the ability to calmly and humorously deal with a busy workload and demanding clients
• an enthusiasm to take on new challenges and broaden your knowledge base and skill set
• a desire to contribute to marketing, networking and business development activities

Why Join JLN? This is a role for someone who wants high-quality work without the rigidity of a traditional firm. You’ll benefit from:

• The possibility of hybrid working with genuine flexibility
• A collaborative, open-plan office environment
• A firm that embraces AI and modern ways of working
• Regular team events, socialising and a friendly, inclusive culture

Benefits include 22 days’ annual leave (rising to 25 days), salary sacrifice options, bonus: 20 % of billings above £180,000 per annum, commission: 15 % of any work introduced by the firm.

Location: This role is best suited to candidates based in Sussex, Surrey, Greater London or Kent who are within an hour’s commute of our Haywards Heath office.