Job Description Senior Associate – Dispute Resolution Salary: £75,000 – £95,000 Bonus Location: Guildford Clear Partnership Track Are you an experienced disputes lawyer looking to step into a senior role with genuine influence, high-quality work, and a clear route to progression? This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded, Legal 500-recognised Dispute Resolution team where you will handle complex, high-value matters while playing a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and shaping the team’s future growth. Our client is known for its collaborative, human-first culture and commitment to delivering commercially focused, pragmatic advice. You will be trusted with autonomy, supported by an experienced leadership team, and exposed to a broad range of premium disputes work. The Role: High-Quality Work with Real Responsibility As a Senior Associate, you will take ownership of a varied and complex caseload while contributing to the wider success of the team. Key responsibilities include: Managing high-value contractual and shareholder disputes Advising clients on commercial litigation strategy, risk, and settlement options Handling matters across: Commercial disputes Debt recovery Financial services litigation Professional negligence Drafting pleadings, witness statements, and court applications Attending mediations, hearings, and other dispute resolution forums Supporting senior lawyers on complex, multi-faceted matters Supervising and mentoring junior team members Contributing to business development and client relationship management Team & Environment You will join a well-structured and supportive Guildford-based team comprising: Partner leadership Legal Director Senior Associates, Associates, and Solicitors Dedicated Paralegal and support staff The wider Dispute Resolution group operates across multiple offices, offering cross-office collaboration and exposure to diverse, high-quality work. What We’re Looking For Essential: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) Approximately 8 years’ PQE in dispute resolution (flexibility for strong candidates) Proven experience handling contractual and shareholder disputes Strong technical ability in commercial litigation and dispute strategy Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail Confidence managing your own caseload and advising clients directly Experience or interest in supervising and mentoring junior lawyers Desirable: Experience in construction disputes Exposure to ADR, mediation, and settlement negotiations Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills Career Progression Career pathway towards Legal Director and Partnership Opportunity to play a key role in team growth and leadership Ongoing professional development and mentoring responsibilities Exposure to high-profile, complex disputes work Salary & Benefits £75,000 – £95,000 base salary (dependent on experience) Performance-related bonus Hybrid working (flexible office/home split) Private healthcare Enhanced pension contribution Generous annual leave entitlement Structured career progression framework Supportive, collaborative culture with a focus on work-life balance Location & Working Arrangements Guildford office Hybrid working model (flexible approach) Full-time, with openness to alternative working patterns where appropriate Next Steps If you would like to explore this opportunity in confidence, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch 0333 996 2882 d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Alternatively, apply now to receive further details and a confidential discussion. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.