Job Title: Senior Associate – Commercial Litigation

Location: North West (Central Manchester or Preston)

Team: Top Legal 500 Commercial Disputes Team

Working Model: Hybrid

Overview

A leading, award-winning Legal 500 firm with a significant presence across the North West is seeking an ambitious Commercial Litigation Senior Associate to help build, grow, and lead a developing Commercial Disputes offering. This is a rare opportunity for a commercially minded litigator who thrives on business generation, networking, and shaping a team’s long-term success.

The role is ideal for a Senior Associate ready to take the next step into a strategic, growth-focused position within a firm known for its strong market reputation and collegiate culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a high-quality commercial litigation caseload, including contract disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence, IP matters, and high-value multi-track claims.
• Drive business development initiatives, actively network, and build strong external relationships to grow the team’s profile and client base.
• Take a lead role in developing and expanding a new Commercial Litigation team, contributing to strategic planning and practice development.
• Provide supervision, mentoring, and support to junior lawyers and paralegals as the team grows.
• Work closely with Partners and other departments to identify cross-referral opportunities and strengthen interdepartmental collaboration.
• Deliver commercially focused advice while maintaining outstanding client service standards.
• Represent clients throughout all stages of litigation, including pre-action protocol, pleadings, interim applications, ADR, mediation, and trial preparation
• Maintain excellent professional standards, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE (flexible for exceptional candidates).
• Strong technical experience across a broad range of commercial litigation matters.
• Demonstrable ability to build and manage client relationships, with a clear record of business development or networking success.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the confidence to help shape and grow a new team within a respected Legal 500 practice.
• Leadership experience or interest in supervising junior fee-earners.
• Excellent communication, commercial awareness, and strategic thinking skills.
• A driven, proactive individual who enjoys autonomy and taking ownership.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary and market-leading benefits package.
• Hybrid working with flexibility to support work-life balance.
• Opportunity to build and influence a growing Commercial Litigation team within a major North West firm.
• Clear pathway for progression toward Partner for the right candidate.
• Strong existing brand presence, marketing support, and cross-department collaboration.

To Apply please contact Millie Ebbrell @ Simpson Judge Legal recruitment today.