Commercial Litigation Senior Associate / Managing Associate – Bristol – Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
A leading UK law firm with international coverage is seeking a Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join its growing Commercial Litigation team in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious disputes lawyer to take on a senior role within a highly regarded practice, handling a broad range of complex and high-value litigation matters while supporting the development of a small team. Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will enjoy a varied caseload spanning commercial, pensions, and financial services-related disputes, alongside genuine opportunities for progression within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
The Role:
- Managing a diverse caseload of Commercial Litigation matters, including complex and high-value business disputes
- Advising clients on contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership issues, professional negligence claims, and wider contentious commercial matters
- Handling disputes involving pensions schemes, trustees, employers, and financial services organisations
- Supporting clients through all stages of the dispute resolution process, including mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings
- Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications, correspondence, and settlement agreements
- Providing commercially focused, strategic advice to a broad range of clients
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff within the team
- Assisting with the day-to-day management and development of a small disputes team
- Working closely with and reporting directly to the Legal Director on client matters, team performance, and strategic initiatives
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships while contributing to business development and networking activities
The Candidate:
- Qualified Solicitor with substantial experience in Commercial Litigation
- Operating at Senior Associate, Managing Associate, Principal Associate, or equivalent level
- Experience of pensions disputes, financial services litigation, regulatory disputes, or contentious trust matters would be highly advantageous
- Strong technical expertise across a broad range of commercial disputes work
- Proven ability to manage complex matters with an appropriate level of autonomy
- Previous supervisory or team management experience, or a genuine desire to move into a leadership role
- Commercially minded with excellent client relationship and communication skills
- Experience gained within a respected regional, national, or international law firm
- Ambitious and motivated, with a desire to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful disputes practice
The Benefits & How to Apply:
- Competitive and negotiable salary with an attractive bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, pension, and wellbeing initiatives
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus additional benefits
- Structured career progression with a clear pathway to more senior leadership positions
- Exposure to complex and high-profile disputes work
- Opportunity to lead and develop a small team
- Supportive, collaborative, and ambitious working environment
- Long-term career prospects within a successful and expanding national practice
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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