At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling diverse commercial disputes and develop your legal skills.
- Company: Top 30 UK law firm known for its collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and supportive training programmes.
- Other info: Strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, and continuous development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile cases while building your professional network.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial disputes and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
A leading national and international law firm is seeking two talented solicitors to join its highly regarded Commercial Disputes practice in Leeds. These are excellent opportunities for ambitious lawyers at different stages of their careers — a junior associate at 1–3 years PQE and a mid-level associate at 2–5 years PQE — to join a team with a strong market reputation, genuine progression prospects, and consistently high-quality work.
The firm is recognised by independent legal directories as one of the leading disputes and investigations practices in each of the markets in which it operates. Its client base includes blue-chip corporates, FTSE 100 companies, public sector bodies and high net worth individuals spanning sectors such as retail, energy, financial services, transport, digital, food and drink, health, and automotive.
The Commercial Disputes Group operates across all UK offices and internationally, offering clients a genuinely strategic and commercially focused approach to dispute resolution. The team handles the full spectrum of contentious work — court and arbitral proceedings, negotiation, mediation and adjudication — and is regularly instructed against magic circle, major City and US firms. The group prides itself on deep sector knowledge and a close understanding of the transactional context underpinning the disputes it handles, working in close collaboration with non-contentious colleagues to deliver rounded, commercially astute advice. It is a busy, high-performing and cohesive team where lawyers genuinely support one another.
Junior Associate – 1 to 3 years PQE
This is a great platform for a junior solicitor looking to build their commercial disputes practice within a supportive environment. The successful candidate will work across a broad range of contentious matters, developing their technical skills under the guidance of experienced practitioners. They will be encouraged to engage with formal training programmes, mentoring and coaching, and to begin building their own network of client and industry contacts.
Mid level Associate – 2 to 5 years PQE
This role is suited to a solicitor who is ready to take greater ownership of matters and make a meaningful contribution to client relationships. The successful candidate will be expected to think creatively and commercially, putting client objectives at the forefront of their approach — including considering how AI and other tools can enhance service delivery. They will play an active role in developing relationships both within the team and across the wider firm, and will have clear opportunities for career progression.
The Ideal Candidates
Both candidates will be qualified solicitors with relevant private practice experience in commercial disputes. They will be proactive, intellectually curious and genuinely committed to client service. A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for continuous development are important, as is the ability to work flexibly across a varied caseload.
Why This Firm?
This is a firm that invests seriously in its people. Lawyers here work on high‑calibre, complex matters alongside talented and supportive colleagues. The firm has a strong culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusion, with a range of employee networks and development programmes in place. Progression is actively encouraged and there is a clear pathway for those with ambition and drive.
Commercial Disputes – Junior & Mid-Level Associates in Leeds employer: Think Legal Recruitment
This leading national and international law firm in Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where junior and mid-level associates can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, the firm provides extensive training programmes, mentoring, and opportunities for career progression, all within a collaborative and inclusive culture that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Disputes – Junior & Mid-Level Associates in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Practise common interview questions and think about how your experiences align with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to spot your application and get back to you quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Disputes – Junior & Mid-Level Associates in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial disputes and any specific skills that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about commercial disputes and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but engaging, and don’t forget to mention why you want to work with us specifically.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase not just your legal skills but also your ability to think creatively and commercially. We love candidates who can demonstrate how they’ve used innovative approaches in past roles, especially in client interactions or case management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our firm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Think Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research the firm and its Commercial Disputes practice. Understand their key clients, recent cases, and the sectors they operate in. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values and objectives.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous experience that demonstrate your technical skills in commercial disputes. Whether it's a successful negotiation or a complex case you handled, having concrete examples ready will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute meaningfully to their team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to dispute resolution, their training programmes, and how they support career progression. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Given the firm's focus on teamwork and collaboration, highlight your ability to work well with others. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated on projects or supported colleagues, as this aligns with their culture and will demonstrate that you're a good fit for their cohesive team.
