Legal Director - Dispute Resolution

Legal Director – Disputes

Salary: £90,000–£120,000 + Bonus

Location: Leeds

Join a Top-Tier International Practice

Are you an ambitious disputes lawyer ready to lead high-stakes commercial litigation for household-name clients? Our client, a prestigious international law firm with 250 years of heritage, is seeking an exceptional Legal Director to join their award-winning Dispute Resolution team in Leeds.

This is your opportunity to work on market-defining disputes for FTSE 100 companies, shape client strategy at the highest level, and build your practice within one of the UK's fastest-growing disputes teams.

As Legal Director, you'll take a leading role in managing complex commercial disputes and building enduring client relationships. You'll have autonomy to run your own matters, supervise and mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the strategic direction of the practice.

• Lead High-Value Disputes: Manage complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and ADR matters from inception to resolution
• Client Ownership: Develop and maintain close relationships with FTSE 100 companies, financial institutions, and major international businesses
• Strategic Advisory: Provide commercially astute, solutions-focused advice on fraud, global investigations, finance disputes, competition matters, and technology disputes
• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and develop Associate and junior lawyers, sharing your expertise generously
• Business Development: Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships and develop new business across key sectors
• Cross-Practice
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work alongside specialists in Corporate, Finance, Banking, Real Estate, Employment, and other practice areas to deliver integrated solutions
• Innovation Champion: Leverage AI and legal technology to enhance efficiency and client service delivery

Financial services | Energy | Retail & consumer | Transport | Technology | Real Estate

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with 8–12+ years' PQE in dispute resolution
• Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration
• Strong technical expertise across commercial disputes, including experience in at least two of: fraud/investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration
• Demonstrable client relationship skills with experience managing FTSE 100 or equivalent international clients
• Team leadership experience including supervising and mentoring junior lawyers
• Excellent drafting and advocacy skills with keen attention to detail
• Commercially astute with strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
• Business development mindset with ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
• Confident communicator able to engage with C-suite executives and senior stakeholders
• Resilient and adaptable with ability to manage multiple high‑pressure matters simultaneously

• Experience in international arbitration (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, or other major arbitral institutions)
• Sector specialization in financial services, energy, or technology
• Track record of business development and client origination
• Experience working in a large international law firm environment
• Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters

• Competitive salary: £90,000–£120,000 (dependent on experience)
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Market-leading benefits package

• Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)
• Modern Leeds office with excellent transport links and access to the city’s vibrant business district
• Collaborative, collegiate culture that values diversity, innovation, and ambition

• Clear progression pathway to Partner level
• Comprehensive training programmes including technical, skills-based, and leadership development
• Mentoring and coaching support tailored to your career goals
• International secondment opportunities across the firm’s global network
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and specialist…