Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution

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Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution

Department: Commercial Dispute Resolution

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Derby, UK

Description

Our tier 1 team is one of the largest and most experienced in the Midlands, handling complex and high value disputes for a variety of local and national clients.

The Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution is responsible for leading the Firm's Commercial Dispute Resolution team, working with a wide range of clients across the UK. This is a key placement for the Firm.

The Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution will work closely with other legal departments, ensuring effective cross referral of work is achieved where possible and business development opportunities are maximised.

This role is responsible for managing a senior and complex personal caseload of commercial litigation matters whilst also supporting the wider team with their complex matters.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned and well-regarded litigator to lead our Tier 1 team at an exciting time of growth.

This role is full time, based at our offices at Pride Park in Derby.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of commercial litigation matters that can include:.

1. Contractual disputes.
2. Commercial property disputes.
3. Landlord & Tenant disputes.
4. Professional negligence disputes.
5. Debt Recovery disputes.

Management Responsibilities

• Setting & presenting annual strategic plan for the Commercial Dispute Resolution department - work closely with the CEO & COO to construct team targets in relation to fees, time recording & business development;
• Assist with annual budget review process;
• Hold a monthly departmental meeting to report on team performance - follow up with one-to-ones as and when required;
• Attend quarterly HOD meetings to represent the Commercial Dispute Resolution department;
• Attend monthly one-to-ones with the CEO & COO - report on departmental priorities and financial performance;
• Provide supervision of matters for more junior fee-earners, sign off work as and when required;
• Oversee the Personal Development Plans for each team member, ensure individual goals are met throughout the year through mentoring and technical guidance;
• Ensure appropriate allocation of fee-earning matters within the team - regularly assess capacity of fee-earners and delegate work effectively;
• Proactively drive performance of the team - achieve continued financial growth YOY;
• Assist with the recruitment process for Commercial Dispute Resolution vacancies - including proactive head hunting and drafting job specifications/adverts.

Business Development

• Work alongside the Business Development & Marketing teams to ensure there is a cohesive and proactive strategy to managing current & prospective clients.
• Take an active lead in managing the client experience. Attend client meetings where necessary.
• Report regularly on business development initiatives and figures to the CEO.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You will:

• Be a qualified senior Commercial Litigation Solicitor with a minimum of 6 years PQE
• Be able to manage your own senior and complex caseload
• Have excellent leadership skills and previous experience leading a team of legal professionals
• Demonstrate excellent commitment to client care and good technical ability
• Have excellent time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines with your caseload
• Have a sound knowledge of IT systems and processes, such as the Microsoft suite and case management systems.

Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered.

Benefits

What we offer?

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Great working environment at our Derby Head offices
• Onsite car parking
• Career development opportunities
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Options to buy & sell 1 week's holiday
• 1 week's holiday carry over
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Staff card discount scheme for local shops
• Social days and evenings on the firm
• Staff discounts on legal services