Head of Litigation & Disputes

The Head of Litigation & Disputes is responsible for leading, developing and growing the Litigation & Disputes department at Bright Solicitors. The role combines the management of a complex caseload with strategic leadership, people management, business development and financial accountability.

The postholder will ensure the delivery of exceptional client service, maintain high technical and professional standards, drive profitable growth, and contribute to the wider success of the firm.

Legal Work

• Manage a varied caseload of litigation and dispute resolution matters, including complex and high-value disputes.
• Provide commercially focused legal advice to clients in a clear, practical and timely manner.
• Conduct proceedings in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant pre-action protocols.
• Draft pleadings, witness statements, settlement agreements, applications and other litigation documentation.
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients in mediations, settlement discussions and related proceedings.
• Maintain excellent standards of client care and service delivery.
• Manage client expectations and ensure matters are progressed efficiently and proactively.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, risk management and file management requirements.

Leadership and Supervision

• Act as a senior technical resource within the department.
• Supervise, mentor and support Qualified Fee Earners, Trainees, Apprentices and support staff.
• Assist with the allocation of work and development of team members.
• Share knowledge, best practice and legal updates across the department.
• Contribute to departmental training and coaching.
• Support succession planning and talent development within the Litigation & Disputes team.

Business Development and Department Growth

• Play an active role in the growth and development of the Litigation & Disputes team.
• Develop, present and obtain approval for an annual Litigation & Disputes Business Plan from the Board.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients and professional contacts.
• Identify opportunities to generate new instructions and increase departmental revenue.
• Prepare and deliver networking, marketing and business development activities that raise the profile of the team.
• Support the production of articles, legal updates and social media content.
• Attend networking events, business forums and industry events as a representative of the firm.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to maximise cross-referral opportunities.
• Support the achievement of departmental business plans, growth strategies and financial targets.
• Contribute ideas for service improvement, innovation and strategic development within the Litigation & Disputes team.
• Achieve agreed billing and fee income targets.
• Ensure accurate and timely time recording.
• Maintain financial discipline in relation to WIP, billing and debt management.
• Assist Partners in monitoring and improving departmental profitability.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting discussions where required.

• Ensure full compliance with SRA requirements, professional conduct obligations and internal policies.
• Identify and manage legal, regulatory and reputational risks.
• Maintain accurate file management and case management records.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (with full practice rights) with significant post-qualification experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
• Extensive experience managing contentious matters independently from instruction through to conclusion.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil litigation procedures and dispute resolution processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex and high-value disputes.
• Demonstrable business development and client relationship management experience.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability.

• Existing professional network and demonstrable track…