Solicitor/Associate Solicitor – Dispute Resolution – Colchester

About us

Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is a long-established regional law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, farmers, landowners and organisations across Essex, Suffolk and beyond.

Our mission is to Transform, Succeed, and Prosper - not only for our clients but also for our people and the wider community.

We operate with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for everyone within the firm.

Collaboration, professionalism, and agility define our working environment, and we strive to empower our teams to deliver excellent results while supporting their personal and professional development.

As a progressive independent firm, we are committed to operating with integrity, professionalism and innovation.

Through our TSP2030 strategy, we continue to invest in our people, technology and working environment, creating opportunities for our teams to develop, grow and thrive.

Collaboration, agility and continuous improvement are at the heart of our culture, and we are passionate about supporting both personal and professional development while delivering outstanding results for our clients.

Role overview

We are looking for a talented Solicitor or Associate to join our growing Dispute Resolution team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer with approximately 3 to 6 years' post-qualification experience to work alongside experienced partners on a broad range of contentious matters while developing their own caseload and client relationships.

You will enjoy high-quality work, direct client contact and a clear path for professional development within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The role

You will advise a broad range of clients, including businesses, owner-managed companies and private individuals, on a variety of disputes, including:

• Negligence and professional negligence claims
• Insolvency-related disputes
• Property litigation matters
• Construction disputes (where relevant experience exists)

Working closely with the partners, you will have increasing responsibility for managing matters from instruction through to resolution.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a varied dispute resolution caseload appropriate to your level of experience.
• Support partners on complex and high-value litigation matters.
• Advise clients on dispute strategy, risk, costs and potential outcomes.
• Explore and pursue negotiated settlements, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.
• Draft legal documentation including correspondence, pleadings, witness statements, settlement agreements and instructions to counsel.
• Ensure compliance with the Civil Procedure Rules, court timetables and pre-action protocols.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through practical and commercially focused advice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm and identify opportunities for cross-referral.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, networking activities and profile-raising opportunities.
• Maintain accurate time recording, file management, billing and compliance standards.
• Support and share knowledge with junior colleagues where appropriate.
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX Litigator and Advocate), with approximately 3 to 6 years' PQE in Commercial Litigation or Dispute Resolution.
• Experience handling contractual disputes and negligence-related claims.
• Strong understanding of litigation procedure and the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Experience managing matters with direct client contact.
• Excellent legal drafting, research and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience in property litigation.
• Experience in construction disputes.
• Experience in partnership, shareholder or insolvency disputes.
• Experience advising owner-managed businesses, SMEs and private individuals.
• Experience of mediation and negotiated settlements.
• Personal attributes

We are looking for someone who

• Has excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to case management.
• Can identify practical and commercially sensible solutions to disputes.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with clients and colleagues.
• Demonstrates strong commercial awareness.
• Remains calm and organised when managing complex matters.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Is comfortable using legal technology and case management systems.
• Is committed to delivering outstanding client service.

What we offer

• High-quality and varied dispute resolution work.
• Close access to experienced partners and mentors.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.
• A supportive, professional and friendly culture.
• Ongoing investment in technology and modern working practices.
• The opportunity to develop your own client relationships and professional profile.
• Learning and development support tailored to your career aspirations.
• The chance to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful and ambitious regional firm.
• The package

We offer a competitive salary, depending on level of experience and ability.

Other benefits include

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure (pro-rated for part time staff).
• Death in service and Group income protection.
• Workplace pension scheme with Scottish Widows after 3 months’ service, including enhanced and salary sacrifice options.
• Health cash plan and employee assistance programme.
• Firm sick pay policy.
• Opportunity for additional holiday with long service.
• Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds. Recruitment is based on merit, skills, and suitability for the role.

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