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- Tasks: Lead high-stakes commercial litigation and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a prestigious international law firm with 250 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape client strategy for FTSE 100 companies and work on landmark cases.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8-12+ years' experience in dispute resolution.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Salary: £90,000–£120,000 + Bonus
Location: Leeds
Join a Top-Tier International Practice
Are you an ambitious disputes lawyer ready to lead high-stakes commercial litigation for household-name clients? Our client, a prestigious international law firm with 250 years of heritage, is seeking an exceptional Legal Director to join their award-winning Dispute Resolution team in Leeds. This is your opportunity to work on market-defining disputes for FTSE 100 companies, shape client strategy at the highest level, and build your practice within one of the UK's fastest-growing disputes teams.
The Role:
- Lead High-Value Disputes: Manage complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and ADR matters from inception to resolution
- Client Ownership: Develop and maintain close relationships with FTSE 100 companies, financial institutions, and major international businesses
- Strategic Advisory: Provide commercially astute, solutions-focused advice on fraud, global investigations, finance disputes, competition matters, and technology disputes
- Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop Associate and junior lawyers, sharing your expertise generously
- Business Development: Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships and develop new business across key sectors
- Cross-Practice Collaboration: Work alongside specialists in Corporate, Finance, Banking, Real Estate, Employment, and other practice areas to deliver integrated solutions
- Innovation Champion: Leverage AI and legal technology to enhance efficiency and client service delivery
Sectors You’ll Work Across: Financial services | Energy | Retail & consumer | Transport | Technology | Real Estate
About You:
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 8–12+ years' PQE in dispute resolution
- Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
- Strong technical expertise across commercial disputes, including experience in at least two of: fraud/investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration
- Demonstrable client relationship skills with experience managing FTSE 100 or equivalent international clients
- Team leadership experience including supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
- Excellent drafting and advocacy skills with keen attention to detail
- Commercially astute with strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
- Business development mindset with ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
- Confident communicator able to engage with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders
- Resilient and adaptable with ability to manage multiple high-pressure matters simultaneously
Highly Desirable:
- Experience in international arbitration (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, or other major arbitral institutions)
- Sector specialization in financial services, energy, or technology
- Track record of business development and client origination
- Experience working in a large international law firm environment
- Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters
What’s On Offer:
Comprehensive Rewards Package
- Financial: Competitive salary: £90,000–£120,000 (dependent on experience), Performance-related bonus scheme, Market-leading benefits package
Working Environment:
- Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)
- Modern Leeds office with excellent transport links and access to the city’s vibrant business district
- Collaborative, collegiate culture that values diversity, innovation, and ambition
Career Development:
- Clear progression pathway to Partner level
- Comprehensive training programmes including technical, skills-based, and leadership development
- Mentoring and coaching support tailored to your career goals
- International secondment opportunities across the firm’s global network
- Access to cutting-edge legal technology and specialist support teams
Work Quality:
- Highest-calibre matters for some of the UK’s most prominent clients
- Intellectually challenging work across multiple sectors and dispute types
- Exposure to landmark cases and market-defining disputes
- Full-service firm resources with seamless collaboration across 50+ practice areas
Culture & Support:
- Supportive, high-performing team environment
- Employee networks celebrating diversity and inclusion
- Firm-wide commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
- Work-life balance supported through flexible working arrangements
About Our Client: Our client is an international, full-service law firm supporting over 5,000 organizations across 100+ countries. With offices spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, plus regional coverage across Africa, India, Latin America, North America, and beyond, they are the natural choice for FTSE 100 companies and their global equivalents. Known for award-winning innovation and a 250-year heritage of excellence, the firm combines deep sector expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.
Location & Working Arrangements: This role is based in the firm’s Leeds office, with excellent access to transport links, amenities, restaurants, and the city’s thriving business and cultural scene. The firm operates a flexible hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.
How to Apply: If you’re ready to take the next step in your disputes career and join a leading international practice, we want to hear from you. Contact Lee Hawthorne-Finch today: 📧 lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com 📞 0333 996 2882 Please submit your CV in confidence. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion. Hawthorne‑Finch Talent Solutions is committed to protecting your privacy. All candidate information is handled in strict confidence, and we will never share your details with any third party without your explicit written consent.
Legal Director - Dispute Resolution in Leeds employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Contact Detail:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director - Dispute Resolution in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in high-stakes disputes. Practice common interview questions and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; demonstrate them! Bring examples of past cases where you’ve led complex disputes or developed client strategies. Use these stories to highlight your leadership and business development skills during conversations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director - Dispute Resolution in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Legal Director role. Highlight your expertise in managing complex commercial disputes and any relevant client relationships with FTSE 100 companies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to the strategic direction of the practice.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Include examples of high-value disputes you've managed and any innovative solutions you've implemented, especially those involving legal technology.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex commercial disputes, especially in areas like fraud, finance, and technology. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how you managed them, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Since you'll be dealing with high-profile clients, it's crucial to demonstrate your client relationship skills during the interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and show genuine interest in their firm’s approach to dispute resolution.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Legal Director, you'll need to lead and mentor junior lawyers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised teams or contributed to their development. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to enhance team performance.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you can identify and pursue new business opportunities. Share your thoughts on market trends and how they might impact the firm's strategy. This will illustrate your commercially astute mindset and readiness to contribute to the firm's growth.