Commercial Disputes Solicitor (NQ-5 PQE)
Location
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary
£55000-65000 per annum
Sector
Solicitor NQ – 1 PQE
Type
Permanent Role
Practice Area
Commercial Litigation
Reference
JR/C/2801
This is an opportunity to join a well-regarded Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Leeds, acting for a strong mix of regional, national and owner-managed clients across genuinely varied contentious and advisory work.
The role suits a commercial disputes solicitor from NQ to around 5 PQE who wants early responsibility, exposure to complex matters, and the confidence that comes from working in a stable, supportive team with depth around them.
The firm
The firm has a strong reputation across Yorkshire for its pragmatic, commercial advice and consistently performs well in Chambers and the Legal 500. It is known for investing properly in its people and for building careers rather than burning through them. The culture is collaborative, down-to-earth and focused on delivering high-quality work without unnecessary pressure or hierarchy.
The role
You'll handle your own caseload and develop direct client relationships, taking the time to understand each client's commercial drivers and risk appetite. Alongside this, you'll work closely with partners and senior lawyers on larger, more complex disputes, giving you exposure to high-value and strategically important matters.
The team encourages involvement beyond pure fee-earning. You'll have the opportunity to support and supervise junior lawyers, contribute to internal and external training, and play a part in relationship-led business development aligned to the team's core sectors.
The work covers a broad range of commercial disputes, offering real variety while also allowing you to build deeper expertise in areas that suit your strengths and interests.
About you
You'll be a commercial disputes solicitor, likely between NQ and 5 years' PQE as a guide, currently working within a reputable and busy team. You'll have a solid grounding in general commercial litigation and dispute resolution, with experience that may include areas such as technology and IT disputes, outsourcing and logistics, shareholder or post-MandA disputes, procurement and judicial review, or large-scale contractual claims.
Just as importantly, you'll be commercially aware, collaborative in your approach, and comfortable taking responsibility while knowing when to lean on the team around you.
What's on offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working, with up to two days per week from home
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off, with the option to buy or sell holiday
- Health and wellbeing benefits, pension, profit share, life assurance and generous family-friendly policies
- Access to internal networks, wellbeing initiatives and social groups
This is a strong option for a disputes lawyer who wants quality work, sensible expectations, and a team that supports long-term development rather than short-term output.
What now?
An initial conversation can take place discreetly, and you don't need a CV to start. If you'd like to talk through how this role compares to your current position, or where it might take you long term, feel free to get in touch.
For more information, please contact Joe Rees at Thornton Legal on 07903 222 898 or joe@thorntonlegal.co.uk.
Thornton Legal connects talented lawyers with leading law firms across the North West, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands. We believe in straightforward, transparent recruitment that focuses on quality relationships, not volume.
