Legal Director – Disputes
Salary: £90,000–£120,000 + Bonus
Location: Manchester
Join a Top-Tier International Practice
Are you an ambitious disputes lawyer ready to lead high‑stakes commercial litigation for household‑name clients? Our client, a prestigious international law firm with 250 years of heritage, is seeking an exceptional Legal Director to join their award‑winning Dispute Resolution team in Manchester.
This is your opportunity to work on market‑defining disputes for FTSE 100 companies, shape client strategy at the highest level, and build your practice within one of the UK's fastest‑growing disputes teams.
The Role: Legal Director – Disputes
As Legal Director, you'll take a leading role in managing complex commercial disputes and building enduring client relationships. You'll have autonomy to run your own matters, supervise and mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the strategic direction of the practice.
Your Responsibilities
Lead High-Value Disputes: Manage complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and ADR matters from inception to resolution
Client Ownership: Develop and maintain close relationships with FTSE 100 companies, financial institutions, and major international businesses
Strategic Advisory: Provide commercially astute, solutions‑focused advice on fraud, global investigations, finance disputes, competition matters, and technology disputes
Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop Associate and junior lawyers, sharing your expertise generously
Business Development: Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships and develop new business across key sectors
Cross‑Practice Collaboration: Work alongside specialists in Corporate, Finance, Banking, Real Estate, Employment, and other practice areas to deliver integrated solutions
Innovation Champion: Leverage AI and legal technology to enhance efficiency and client service delivery
Sectors You'll Work Across
Financial services
Energy
Retail & consumer
Transport
Technology
Real Estate
About You: Essential Requirements
Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 8–12+ years' PQE in dispute resolution
Proven track record managing complex, high‑value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
Strong technical expertise across commercial disputes, including experience in at least two of: fraud/investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration
Demonstrable client relationship skills with experience managing FTSE 100 or equivalent international clients
Team leadership experience including supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
Excellent drafting and advocacy skills with keen attention to detail
Commercially astute with strong problem‑solving abilities and strategic thinking
Business development mindset with ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
Confident communicator able to engage with C‑suite executives and senior stakeholders
Resilient and adaptable with ability to manage multiple high‑pressure matters simultaneously
Highly Desirable
Experience in international arbitration (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, or other major arbitral institutions)
Sector specialization in financial services, energy, or technology
Track record of business development and client origination
Experience working in a large international law firm environment
Exposure to cross‑border disputes and multi‑jurisdictional matters
What's On Offer: Comprehensive Rewards Package
Financial
Competitive salary: £90,000–£120,000 (dependent on experience)
Performance‑related bonus scheme
Market‑leading benefits package
Working Environment
Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)
Modern Manchester office with excellent transport links and access to the city’s dynamic business quarter
Collaborative, collegiate culture that values diversity, innovation, and ambition
Career Development
Clear progression pathway to Partner level
Comprehensive training programmes including technical, skills‑based, and leadership development
Mentoring and coaching support tailored to your career goals
International secondment opportunities across the firm’s global network
Access to cutting‑edge legal technology and specialist support teams
Work Quality
Highest‑calibre matters for some of the UK’s most prominent clients
Intellectually challenging work across multiple sectors and dispute types
Exposure to landmark cases and market‑defining disputes
Full‑service firm resources with seamless collaboration across 50+ practice areas
Culture & Support
Supportive, high‑performing team environment
Employee networks celebrating diversity and inclusion
Firm‑wide commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
Work‑life balance supported through flexible working arrangements
About Our Client
Our client is an international, full‑service law firm supporting over 5,000 organisations across 100+ countries. With offices spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, plus regional coverage across Africa, India, Latin America, North America, and beyond, they are the natural choice for FTSE 100 companies and their global equivalents.
Known for award‑winning innovation and a 250‑year heritage of excellence, the firm combines deep sector expertise with cutting‑edge technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.
Location & Working Arrangements
This role is based in the firm’s Manchester office, with excellent access to transport links, amenities, restaurants, and the city’s thriving business and cultural scene.
The firm operates a flexible hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.
How to Apply
Contact Lee Hawthorne‑Finch today:
lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
0333 996 2882
Please submit your CV in confidence. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.
Hawthorne‑Finch Talent Solutions is committed to protecting your privacy. All candidate information is handled in strict confidence, and we will never share your details with any third party without your explicit written consent.
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