Commercial Litigation Solicitor - 1-3 PQE

Commercial Litigation Associate (1–3 PQE) Full-time | Permanent

Our client is a well-established and highly regarded South East law firm is seeking to appoint a Commercial Litigation Associate into it's busy and consistently high-performing disputes team. This is a replacement hire, offering the opportunity to step into an established caseload within a team known for the quality of its work and strength of its client relationships.

The role will suit a solicitor at around 1–3 PQE (with some flexibility) looking to develop within a broad and high-calibre disputes environment. The team handles a wide range of matters, including commercial contract disputes, shareholder and corporate litigation, High Court proceedings, international arbitration and advisory work focused on risk management and dispute avoidance. A notable proportion of the work has an international dimension, involving regular collaboration with overseas counsel.

From the outset, the successful candidate will work closely with partners and senior lawyers, taking responsibility for progressing matters and, over time, building confidence in managing their own caseload. The structure of the team allows for early exposure to substantive work, with a strong balance between support and autonomy.

The disputes group is consistently recognised in the legal directories and is regarded as one of the leading teams in the South East outside London. It combines high-quality, complex work with a genuinely collaborative and supportive culture. There is a clear emphasis on developing lawyers through hands-on experience, direct client contact and access to a breadth of expertise across litigation, arbitration and mediation.

The firm is open-minded on background, but candidates are likely to have trained or gained experience within a City, national or well-regarded regional firm, with a solid grounding in commercial disputes. Experience of contract disputes will be particularly useful. Strong technical ability, clear communication skills and a commercial approach are all important, alongside the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team.

This represents a compelling opportunity for a junior disputes lawyer seeking access to high-quality work, meaningful responsibility and a clear progression pathway, within a firm that offers a more balanced and sustainable working environment than many of its London counterparts.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are on offer, alongside a culture that continues to attract and retain high-quality lawyers over the long term.