Head of Dispute Resolution

Job Title:

Head of Dispute Resolution Salary: up to £95,000 Overview:
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded solicitor to lead our Dispute Resolution Department. With expertise spanning both contentious and non-contentious work, the Head of Dispute Resolution will oversee a wide variety of legal services including commercial litigation, contract disputes, and corporate advisory matters. This senior role combines leadership, technical excellence, client relationship development, and business growth responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Departmental Oversight Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing Dispute Resolution team. Manage workflow allocation, staff supervision, and performance reviews. Cultivate a supportive, professional culture with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and client care. Drive cross-departmental collaboration, Contribute to firmwide strategic planning as a key member of the leadership team. Legal Expertise & Casework Handle a broad range of litigation and advisory matters, including:
Contractual and commercial disputes Shareholder and partnership disputes Professional negligence Construction and engineering disputes Contentious probate and trust matters Property litigation Client Relationship Management Maintain and develop strong relationships with new and existing clients. Provide clear, pragmatic advice and high levels of personal service. Uphold the firm’s reputation for responsiveness, quality, and trusted legal guidance. Compliance, Risk & Best Practice Ensure compliance with SRA Code of Conduct, AML regulations, and firm policies.

Conduct regular file reviews and supervise case progression and risk assessments. Support CQS, Lexcel, and other professional accreditation processes as needed. Business Development & Marketing Actively contribute to the firm’s business development strategy. Develop new streams of work through networking, client recommendations, and thought leadership. Engage in speaking, writing, and professional association activities (e.g. ACTAPS, PNLA). Financial Management Monitor and report on departmental budgets, WIP, and billing targets.

Support pricing strategies and cost estimates. Lead on initiatives to improve profitability, client retention, and matter efficiency. Qualifications and

Experience:

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales), with at least 10 years’ PQE. Strong track record in both contentious and non-contentious commercial work. Prior leadership or team management experience within a law firm environment.