Commercial Litigation Senior Associate

• Join a growing Commercial Litigation team and contribute to its continued success
• Enjoy greater autonomy, high-quality work and genuine progression opportunities towards Director and Shareholder level
• Work within a supportive, down-to-earth firm with ambitious growth plans

Are you an experienced Commercial Litigation Solicitor looking for greater autonomy, high-quality work and the opportunity to develop your career within a successful litigation department?

This established, progressive law firm is seeking a Commercial Litigation Senior Associate to join its growing dispute resolution team. The role can be based at one of the firm’s South Yorkshire/East Midlands offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield, with hybrid working available.

You’ll join a litigation department that has increased its annual turnover from approximately £300,000 to £800,000, with ambitions to exceed £1 million. The wider firm continues to invest in technology, infrastructure and its people while maintaining a friendly, non-corporate culture.

What makes this opportunity particularly attractive is the combination of quality work, autonomy and long-term development. You’ll work closely with an experienced Head of Litigation, independently managing complex commercial disputes while contributing to the department’s continued success.

The caseload includes a broad range of commercial and contractual disputes, with opportunities to handle sophisticated matters involving regional and national firms. You’ll have the freedom to manage your work independently, supported by experienced colleagues and a strong administrative infrastructure.

There’s also a genuine opportunity to progress your career further. The firm has a strong history of promoting from within, with potential progression towards Director and ultimately Shareholder level for someone who demonstrates the right technical ability, commercial contribution and leadership potential.

The culture is collaborative, approachable and focused on delivering excellent client service without the pressures of an overly corporate environment. You’ll be encouraged to develop your professional profile, build relationships and contribute ideas that support the wider team’s success.

Who we’re looking for

• Strong experience handling Commercial Litigation and dispute resolution matters (E)
• Ability to independently manage a varied and complex litigation caseload (E)
• Excellent technical knowledge of commercial disputes and litigation procedures (E)
• Strong client care, communication and relationship management skills (E)
• Commercial awareness and sound professional judgement (E)
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively (E)
• Willingness to contribute to business development and departmental growth (E)
• Collaborative, approachable and team-focused attitude (E)
• Commitment to delivering high-quality client service (E)
• Confidence building relationships with colleagues, clients and professional contacts (E)
• Ideally 8+ years’ PQE (D)
• Background within a regional or mid-tier commercial law firm (D)
• Experience handling sophisticated disputes involving regional or national firms (D)
• Established referral network or track record of generating work (D)
• Experience mentoring junior Solicitors or supporting departmental development (D)
• Interest in progressing towards Director or Shareholder level (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Independently managing a varied caseload of commercial litigation matters
• Advising on complex commercial and contractual disputes
• Providing strategic, commercially focused advice to clients
• Taking on existing work from the Head of Department
• Building strong client relationships and maintaining excellent service standards
• Developing referral relationships and professional contacts
• Participating in business development and networking activities
• Contributing to the growth of the firm’s Commercial Litigation offering, particularly in Sheffield
• Working collaboratively with the wider dispute resolution team
• Supporting junior colleagues where appropriate
• Working towards financial targets of approximately three times salary, with time to establish your caseload
• Contributing ideas that support the department’s longer-term development

Salary & Benefits

• £60,000–£70,000, depending on experience and capability
• Hybrid working with a choice of Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield office base
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an established Commercial Litigation department
• Potential progression to Director and ultimately Shareholder level, subject to performance and suitability
• Realistic financial targets with time to establish your caseload
• High-quality commercial litigation work and significant professional autonomy
• Strong administrative support and modern IT infrastructure
• Opportunities to contribute to departmental strategy and growth
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong track record of internal progression
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing, financially successful firm

This is an excellent opportunity for a Commercial Litigation Senior Associate seeking greater autonomy, sophisticated disputes and genuine long-term career development within a growing practice.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a successful litigation department where your contribution will be valued, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Paula Pawlowska
📩 Paula.Pawlowska@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 215

While this advert sets out the criteria applicable to each salary band, the salary guidance given is purely indicative. The precise salary offered within that band will ultimately be determined by the hirer, taking into account the individual candidate’s experience, qualifications and overall suitability for the role.