William James Recruitment
Commercial Litigation Associate Solicitor / Senior Associate Solicitor

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Commercial Litigation Associate Solicitor / Senior Associate Solicitor – Birmingham – Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
A highly regarded, national law firm is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate / Senior Associate Solicitor to join its growing Birmingham City Centre office as part of a strategic expansion within its Disputes practice. With continued investment, access to international work, and a strong pipeline of high-quality matters, this is a standout opportunity to join a modern, ambitious firm offering excellent progression, high-quality clients, and a collaborative working environment. You’ll play a key role in a well-established yet expanding team, handling a broad mix of commercial disputes while benefiting from strong support, exposure to complex matters, and clear routes for career development, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance within an employee-centred culture.
The Role:
- Managing a varied caseload of Commercial Litigation matters, including contract disputes and broader business conflicts
- Advising clients on shareholder, partnership, and director disputes
- Handling matters from instruction through to resolution, including litigation and ADR
- Drafting pleadings, correspondence, and legal documentation across Commercial Litigation cases
- Providing commercially focused, pragmatic advice to a diverse client base, including those with international reach
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Attending client meetings, negotiations, and court hearings, with advocacy opportunities
- Supporting business development and contributing to the continued growth of the Birmingham disputes team
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Candidate:
- A Commercial Litigation Solicitor operating from circa 1–4 years’ PQE (Associate or Senior Associate level), with flexibility to consider candidates up to 6 years’ PQE
- Strong technical expertise across Commercial Litigation matters
- Experience gained within a reputable boutique, regional, national, or international firm
- A solid grounding in traditional commercial disputes work
- Commercially aware, with strong client-handling and communication skills
- Ambitious and motivated, with an interest in business development and contributing to team growth
The Benefits & How to Apply:
- Competitive salary, aligned with national law firm benchmarks, with a strong bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare (with family options), life assurance, income protection insurance, and enhanced pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement starting from 25 days, rising to 30 days plus bank holidays
- Firm-wide discretionary bonus in addition to performance-related bonuses
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, alongside an emphasis on work-life balance
- Clear and structured career progression pathway within a growing national practice
- Supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking firm culture with an employee-centred approach
- High-quality work, including exposure to international matters
- Modern, contemporary offices and excellent technology infrastructure
- Excellent scope for career progression within a well-established and expanding team


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Apply in the strictest of confidence online or via telephone.
Contact:
Rhys Spencer, Retained Consultant
- Direct Dial: 0121 392 7377
- Mobile: 07506 994 088
- Email: rhys.spencer@williamjamesrecruitment.com
More About William James Recruitment
William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.
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