William James Recruitment
Commercial Litigation Legal Director

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Commercial Litigation Legal Director – Birmingham – Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
A Top 40 UK law firm is seeking to appoint a Commercial Litigation Legal Director to join its award-winning Birmingham disputes team as part of its continued growth strategy. Recognised as a highly ranked Legal 500 practice, the team advises on complex, high-value litigation for a diverse client base ranging from SMEs and owner-managed businesses through to multinational organisations and major institutions. With a strong Midlands presence, national reach, and growing international capability, this is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and entrepreneurial firm, working alongside highly regarded Partners on sophisticated disputes while playing a key role in the continued expansion and long-term success of the practice.
The Role:
- Leading on a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters, including complex and high-value disputes
- Advising clients on commercial contract disputes and wider business conflicts
- Handling shareholder, partnership, and director disputes
- Acting on professional negligence, restrictive covenant, and defamation matters
- Managing domestic and cross-border disputes involving national and international clients
- Working closely with Partners across the firm's national network and wider international connections
- Building and developing strong client relationships across a varied commercial client base
- Supporting business development initiatives and contributing to the continued growth of the team
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers where appropriate
- Playing a key role in the strategic development of an award-winning disputes practice
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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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.
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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:
- An experienced Commercial Litigation Solicitor operating at Legal Director level, or a Principal Associate / Senior Associate ready to take the next step
- Strong technical expertise across a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters
- Proven experience handling complex and high-value disputes
- Commercially minded, with excellent client relationship and business development skills
- Ambitious and motivated, with a genuine desire to progress towards Partnership
- Experience gained within a reputable regional, national, or international law firm
- A collaborative and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to thrive in a high-performing team environment
- Strong leadership qualities and the ability to contribute to the continued growth of the practice


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The Benefits & How to Apply:
- Competitive and negotiable salary, with an attractive bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, healthcare, life assurance, and an enhanced pension scheme
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits and policies
- Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Access to high-quality local, national, and international work
- Clear long-term progression opportunities within a growing team
- Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and ambitious firm culture
- Award-winning disputes team with a strong reputation in the Legal 500
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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