Head of Commercial Litigation

Head of Commercial Litigation (Insolvency Focus) - 10+ PQE

Location: Carter Lane, London (Office-Based)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £120,000 - £125,000

About the Role

We are working with a growing and ambitious London-based firm seeking a Head of Commercial Litigation with strong insolvency experience to lead and develop its disputes offering. This is a key leadership hire, offering the opportunity to take ownership of an established team while driving strategic growth and financial performance. This role combines departmental leadership with hands on fee earning, making it ideal for a senior solicitor with 10+ years PQE who is confident handling complex commercial disputes and contentious insolvency matters. You will be expected to bring work with you or demonstrate a proven ability to generate new business and build a profitable practice.

Key Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for leading the department and delivering both strategic and operational success, including:
• Developing and implementing departmental strategy aligned with firm objectives
• Managing budgets, financial performance, and recovery of fees
• Driving business development, networking and cross referrals
• Handling complex commercial litigation and contentious insolvency matters
• Investigating and pursuing claims arising from insolvency, including misfeasance, transactions at undervalue, preferential payments and wrongful or fraudulent trading
• Monitoring KPIs, performance metrics and departmental reporting
• Ensuring compliance with firm policies, regulatory standards and audits
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of solicitors and support staff
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding and training in collaboration with HR
• Managing departmental risk and improving systems and processes
• Delivering high standards of client service and communication

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with 10+ years PQE
• Strong technical expertise in commercial litigation and contentious insolvency
• Proven experience managing or leading a legal team or department
• Demonstrable business development experience and ability to generate work
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship building skills
• Commercially aware with solid financial and analytical ability
• Ability to manage complex caseloads alongside leadership responsibilities
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Highly competitive salary package
• Opportunity to lead and shape a growing department
• Clear progression into senior leadership within the firm
• Hybrid working model post probation (3 days in office)
• Supportive and collaborative team environment