New Job Opening: Senior Associate Dispute Resolution in Guildford, UK

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
[email protected]

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.