Dispute Resolution Legal Director – Commercial Litigation

About the role

Our client, a leading Thames Valley law firm, is seeking a senior legal professional to lead its Dispute Resolution practice in Reading. The role combines high‑value commercial litigation work with a clear pathway to partnership, offering both strategic influence and career progression.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex commercial disputes, including contractual, corporate, shareholder and partnership matters.
• Lead negotiations, mediations and other alternative dispute resolution processes, as well as court proceedings.
• Advise directors, shareholders, investors and senior executives on commercially focused litigation strategies.
• Handle contentious insolvency issues, restrictive covenants and related commercial conflicts.
• Oversee High Court litigation and multi‑million‑pound disputes, ensuring effective outcomes.
• Develop and nurture client relationships to support business development goals.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with at least 8 years PQE in commercial litigation or dispute resolution.
• Proven experience managing complex, high‑value disputes from advice through to settlement or trial.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to provide strategic advice to senior business stakeholders.
• Ambitious professional seeking a partner‑designate trajectory.
• Excellent client‑management and business‑development capabilities.

Required skills

• Commercial litigation expertise.
• Dispute resolution techniques, including negotiation and mediation.
• High Court litigation experience.
• Strategic advisory skills for corporate clients.

What we offer

• Genuine partner‑designate opportunity with a clear route to partnership.
• Exposure to high‑profile, high‑value commercial disputes.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.
• Competitive salary range of £90,000‑£110,000 per annum.
• Bonus scheme and comprehensive benefits package.