At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Litigation & Disputes team while managing complex cases.
- Company: Established Plymouth practice with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private health insurance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a department and make a real impact in litigation.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with significant litigation experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience - Circa £65 to £75k
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Office-based / hybrid
Contract: Full-time
Experienced Litigation Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive sought to join a well-established Plymouth practice as Head of Litigation & Disputes. This is a senior opportunity combining a high-quality contentious caseload with responsibility for the leadership, development and growth of the firm's Litigation & Disputes department. The successful candidate will take a key role in shaping the future direction of the team, with responsibility for people management, business development and financial performance alongside their own complex and high-value litigation work.
Position Overview
You will manage a varied caseload of litigation and dispute resolution matters from instruction through to conclusion, including complex and higher-value disputes. Alongside your fee-earning work, you will lead and develop the wider Litigation & Disputes team.
Responsibilities will include:
- Managing a varied caseload of civil litigation and dispute resolution matters
- Handling complex and high-value disputes
- Providing commercially focused, practical legal advice to clients
- Conducting proceedings in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant pre-action protocols
- Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications, settlement agreements and other litigation documentation
- Negotiating settlements and representing clients at mediations and settlement discussions
- Acting as a senior technical resource for the department
- Supervising and mentoring qualified fee earners, trainees, apprentices and support staff
- Supporting the allocation of work and professional development of team members
- Developing and implementing the department's annual business plan
- Building relationships with existing clients, prospective clients and professional contacts
- Identifying opportunities to generate new instructions and increase departmental revenue
- Participating in networking, marketing and other business development initiatives
- Working collaboratively with other departments to develop cross-referral opportunities
- Monitoring billing, WIP, debt management and overall departmental financial performance
- Ensuring high standards of compliance, risk management and client care
This is a genuine leadership position and would particularly suit an experienced litigator who enjoys combining technical legal work with developing people and growing a successful department.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with full practice rights
- Significant post-qualification experience in litigation and dispute resolution
- Extensive experience managing contentious matters independently from instruction through to conclusion
- Strong technical knowledge of civil litigation procedure and dispute resolution
- Experience handling complex and high-value disputes
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking
- Demonstrable business development and client relationship management experience
- Experience supervising, mentoring or developing junior lawyers
- Excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills
- Ability to provide commercially focused and pragmatic advice
- Strong organisational and financial management skills
- Existing professional network and/or track record of generating new business would be advantageous
- Previous departmental leadership or management experience would be beneficial
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Additional gifted Christmas leave
- Gifted birthday leave
- Private health insurance
- Monthly wellness leave
- Regular staff social events and networking opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free indoor bike storage
- Genuine opportunity to lead and develop an established Litigation & Disputes department
- Significant scope to influence departmental strategy, growth and future direction
- Senior position within an established Plymouth practice
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded Litigation Lawyer seeking a genuine Head of Department role with the autonomy to develop a team, grow the practice and play an important part in the firm's wider success.
Head of Litigation & Disputes (Permanent) in Plymouth employer: RLS Legal Recruitment Careers
Join a well-regarded high street law firm in the heart of Bristol, where you will be part of a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service in residential property law. With a focus on employee growth and development, this role offers a competitive hourly rate and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a busy period, with the potential for a permanent position. Experience the vibrant culture of Bristol while working in a dynamic environment that values your expertise and contributions.
Contact Details:
RLS Legal Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Litigation & Disputes (Permanent) in Plymouth
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Litigation & Disputes (Permanent) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at RLS Legal Recruitment Careers, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in RLS Legal Recruitment Careers and the specific role of Head of Litigation & Disputes (Permanent). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at RLS Legal Recruitment Careers
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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