Solicitor

Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution

Location: Guildford (Hybrid)

Salary: Competitive DOE

Benefits: 28 days' annual leave, private medical insurance, income protection, life assurance, generous pension scheme, firmwide bonus scheme, hybrid and flexible working, ongoing professional development and a clear pathway to Partnership.

About the Company

A leading regional law firm is seeking a Senior Associate to join its highly regarded Dispute Resolution team in Guildford. Consistently recognised in the Legal 500, Chambers & Partners and The Times Best Law Firms, the firm has earned an outstanding reputation for delivering commercially focused legal advice while maintaining a people-first culture.

With ambitious growth plans, a collaborative working environment and a genuine commitment to career development, the firm offers high-quality work typically associated with larger national practices, alongside a clear route to Partnership for ambitious lawyers.

Role Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Litigation Solicitor to join a market-leading Dispute Resolution team handling sophisticated, high-value commercial disputes.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload of complex litigation matters while working closely with senior colleagues on strategically significant cases. Alongside advising clients, you'll play an important role in mentoring junior lawyers, contributing to business development and supporting the continued growth of the team.

Key Responsibilities

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• Manage a varied caseload of complex commercial litigation matters from instruction through to resolution.
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• Advise clients on contractual disputes, shareholder disputes and broader business litigation matters.
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• Handle commercial disputes through negotiation, mediation and court proceedings where appropriate.
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• Support senior lawyers on high-value and strategically important litigation.
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• Provide commercially focused, pragmatic advice tailored to clients' business objectives.
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• Supervise, mentor and support the development of junior solicitors, trainees and paralegals.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, delivering exceptional levels of service.
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• Contribute to networking, business development initiatives and the continued growth of the Dispute Resolution practice.
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• Ensure excellent financial management, file management and compliance standards across all matters.
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Requirements

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• Qualified Solicitor with strong experience in Commercial Dispute Resolution.
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• Approximately 8+ years PQE preferred, although experienced Associates seeking progression to Senior Associate will also be considered.
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• Strong technical experience handling contractual and shareholder disputes.
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• Experience managing complex commercial litigation matters independently.
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• Construction disputes experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
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• Experience supervising, mentoring or developing junior colleagues.
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• Excellent drafting, negotiation and advocacy preparation skills.
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• Commercially minded with strong client relationship management abilities.
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• A collaborative, proactive approach and a commitment to delivering outstanding client service.
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Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join one of the region's leading Dispute Resolution teams, recognised for its technical excellence, collaborative culture and high-quality client work.

You'll benefit from exposure to complex, high-value litigation, direct access to experienced Partners and genuine opportunities for long-term career progression, including a clearly defined pathway to Partnership. The firm places a strong emphasis on flexibility, professional development and creating an environment where lawyers can thrive both personally and professionally.

Whether you're already operating at Senior Associate level or you're an experienced Associate ready to take the next step, this is an outstanding opportunity to develop your career within a highly respected and ambitious practice.