Head of Commercial Litigation

• Lead the growth of a thriving Commercial Litigation offering in Sheffield, with the opportunity to shape its future
• Enjoy genuine leadership responsibility and a potential pathway to Director and Shareholder status
• Handle high-quality commercial disputes within a progressive, supportive firm with ambitious growth plans

Are you an experienced Commercial Litigation Solicitor looking for greater influence, high-quality work and the opportunity to lead the development of a successful litigation practice?

This established, growing law firm is seeking a Head of Commercial Litigation to spearhead the development of its dispute resolution offering in Sheffield. 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 department that has grown from approximately £300,000 to £800,000 in annual turnover, with ambitions to exceed £1 million. The wider firm continues to invest in technology, infrastructure and its people while maintaining a friendly, down-to-earth culture.

What makes this opportunity particularly exciting is the chance to shape the department’s future. Working closely with the firm’s existing Head of Litigation, you’ll take ownership of complex commercial disputes while building the firm’s profile and referral network in Sheffield.

The caseload includes commercial and contractual disputes, with opportunities to handle sophisticated matters involving regional and national firms. You’ll enjoy considerable autonomy alongside experienced colleagues and strong administrative support.

There’s also a genuine opportunity to influence the firm’s long-term direction. With a history of internal progression, you could take a leading role in developing the Sheffield offering and potentially progress towards Director and Shareholder status, depending on performance and contribution.

The culture is collaborative, approachable and focused on excellent client service without an overly corporate environment. You’ll be encouraged to build relationships, develop new opportunities and contribute ideas that drive growth.

Who we’re looking for

• Strong experience handling Commercial Litigation and dispute resolution matters (E)
• Ability to independently manage complex commercial litigation cases (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)
• Confidence undertaking business development and building professional relationships (E)
• Proactive approach to departmental growth and business development (E)
• Collaborative, approachable and team-focused attitude (E)
• Commitment to delivering high-quality client service (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)
• Previous experience mentoring Solicitors or supporting departmental leadership (D)
• Ambition to develop the firm’s Sheffield presence and progress towards Shareholder status (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Independently managing a varied caseload of complex commercial litigation matters
• Advising on commercial disputes, contractual claims and general litigation
• 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 across Sheffield
• Leading business development and networking initiatives
• Helping establish and grow the firm’s Commercial Litigation presence in Sheffield
• Working collaboratively with the wider dispute resolution team
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
• Working towards financial targets of approximately three times salary, with time to establish your caseload
• Contributing to departmental strategy, leadership and long-term growth

Salary & Benefits

• £70,000–£100,000, depending on experience, technical expertise and commercial contribution
• Hybrid working with a choice of Sheffield, Chesterfield or Mansfield office base
• Opportunity to lead the firm’s Sheffield Commercial Litigation offering
• Potential progression to Director and Shareholder status, 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
• Opportunity to influence departmental strategy and future growth
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong history of internal progression
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing, financially successful firm

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Litigator seeking greater leadership responsibility, sophisticated disputes and the chance to shape a growing practice.

If you’re ready to take a prominent role in developing a successful litigation department and establishing its presence in Sheffield, 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.