Job Title: Head of Commercial Litigation
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Salary: £50,000 – £80,000 (DOE)
PQE Level: 4 years PQE+
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Commercial Litigation solicitor to lead and develop a growing Commercial Litigation Dept in Chelmsford. This is a standout opportunity for a capable lawyer ready to step into a Head of Department role, or for someone already operating at senior associate level looking for progression into leadership.
You will take ownership of a varied caseload, supervise junior fee earners where applicable, and play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the department.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a diverse caseload of commercial litigation matters including contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, and insolvency-related litigation
- Acting for a broad range of clients including SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and larger commercial entities
- Providing clear, commercially focused advice and developing strong long-term client relationships
- Leading and mentoring junior solicitors and paralegals (where applicable)
- Supporting business development initiatives and helping grow the department’s profile regionally
- Drafting pleadings, witness statements, applications, and settlement agreements
- Representing clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings where required
- Working closely with partners and contributing to departmental strategy and growth plans
Candidate Profile
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales 4 years+ PQE Experience.
- Strong background in commercial litigation
- Confident managing matters independently with minimal supervision
- Proven ability to handle a busy caseload and meet deadlines under pressure
- Strong communication and client-facing skills
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff (desirable but not essential)
- Ambitious, with a genuine interest in leadership and departmental growth
What’s on Offer
- Clear progression pathway into senior leadership and departmental development
- Competitive salary of £50,000 – £80,000 depending on experience
- Opportunity to shape and grow a Commercial Litigation team
- Exposure to high-quality, varied commercial work
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Hybrid working options (if applicable)
- Strong client base with established regional reputation
Why This Role?
This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer ready to step up into a leadership position or take the next step in their career within a forward-thinking firm. You will have real influence over the direction of the department and the opportunity to build something meaningful in a growing regional practice.