Head of Litigation & Disputes

Head of Litigation & Disputes - Plymouth

Location:
Plymouth

Type of Role:
Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)

A strategic senior opportunity has arisen for an experienced litigator to lead, develop and grow a Litigation & Disputes department in Plymouth. This role combines high level fee earning with departmental leadership, people management, business development and financial accountability.

The successful candidate will drive exceptional client service, maintain high technical standards, support team development and contribute to the wider strategic success of the firm.

You will manage a complex and varied caseload while providing strategic leadership across the department.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing a broad caseload of litigation and dispute resolution matters, including complex and high value disputes
• Providing clear, commercially focused legal advice
• Conducting proceedings in line with the Civil Procedure Rules and pre action protocols
• Drafting pleadings, witness statements, settlement agreements, applications and related documentation
• Negotiating settlements and representing clients in mediations and settlement discussions
• Ensuring excellent client care and proactive matter progression
• Maintaining compliance with regulatory, risk and file management requirements

• Acting as a senior technical resource within the department
• Supervising, mentoring and supporting Qualified Fee Earners, Trainees, Apprentices and support staff
• Assisting with work allocation and team development
• Sharing knowledge, best practice and legal updates
• Contributing to departmental training and coaching
• Supporting succession planning and talent development

• Playing an active role in the growth and development of the Litigation & Disputes team
• Preparing and presenting an annual departmental business plan
• Building strong relationships with clients and professional contacts
• Identifying opportunities for new instructions and increased revenue
• Supporting networking, marketing and business development initiatives
• Producing articles, legal updates and social media content
• Attending networking events and industry forums
• Maximising cross referral opportunities across the firm
• Contributing ideas for innovation and service improvement

• Achieving agreed billing and fee income targets
• Ensuring accurate and timely time recording
• Maintaining financial discipline around WIP, billing and debt management
• Supporting partners with departmental profitability monitoring
• Contributing to budgeting and forecasting discussions

This role is suited to a senior litigator with:

• Qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (with full practice rights)
• Significant post qualification experience in litigation and dispute resolution
• Extensive experience managing contentious matters independently
• Strong technical knowledge of civil litigation procedures
• Proven ability to manage complex and high value disputes
• Demonstrable business development and client relationship experience
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues
• Excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking

• Existing professional network and track record of generating new business
• Experience in departmental leadership or management
• Experience presenting at seminars, networking events or industry forums

• 25 days' paid leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Additional gifted Christmas leave
• Gifted birthday leave
• WPA Health Insurance
• Regular staff social events and networking opportunities
• Cycle to Work Scheme and free indoor bike storage
• Monthly wellness leave

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.