Your Ultimate Guide to Litigation Solicitor Jobs in the UK

Litigation stands at the heart of legal practice. Whether you’re advising clients through complex disputes or representing them in court, your role as a litigation solicitor shapes real-world outcomes. But how do you break into this field? And once you’re in, how do you move up?

At The Legists, we speak with litigation professionals and hiring firms every day. We understand what makes a strong candidate, where the demand lies, and how to help you find the right opportunity — not just any job. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about litigation solicitor jobs in the UK: what the role involves, where the opportunities are, what skills employers want, and how to stand out.

What Does a Litigation Solicitor Do?

Litigation solicitors handle disputes between individuals, companies, or organisations. When conflict arises, litigation professionals step in to resolve the issue  through negotiation, mediation, or formal legal action.

Typical Responsibilities Include:

• Advising clients on legal disputes

• Drafting court documents, witness statements, and letters before action

• Representing clients during hearings or settlement discussions

• Managing case files and instructing barristers

• Handling pre-action protocols and disclosure processes

Litigation isn’t just about arguing in court. You’ll also analyse evidence, assess risk, and work with clients to reach cost-effective solutions.

Types of Litigation Solicitor Jobs

Litigation covers a wide range of specialisms. Some solicitors focus on general commercial litigation, while others handle niche areas. Depending on your interests and expertise, you can build a rewarding career in:

1. Commercial Litigation

This involves business disputes, contract breaches, shareholder disagreements, and professional negligence claims. It’s fast-paced and intellectually demanding.

2. Civil Litigation

This includes landlord-tenant disputes, defamation, debt recovery, and personal injury claims. Many firms handle civil litigation for both individuals and SMEs.

3. Criminal Litigation

Solicitors here defend or prosecute individuals in criminal court. You’ll work closely with barristers and law enforcement agencies.

4. Construction Litigation

Construction disputes often involve large sums and technical contracts. You’ll advise developers, contractors, or architects on claims, defects, or delays.

5. Employment Litigation

Workplace disputes — from unfair dismissal to discrimination claims — fall under this category. You may represent employees, employers, or trade unions.

6. Banking & Finance Litigation

This niche involves complex financial claims, fraud investigations, and regulatory disputes. It suits solicitors with a background in finance or compliance.

Why Choose a Career in Litigation?

So, why should you pursue litigation solicitor jobs rather than another legal path?

1. Variety Keeps It Interesting

No two cases are ever the same. You’ll meet different clients, face new challenges, and constantly expand your legal knowledge.

2. Impact Matters

Litigation outcomes often affect businesses, reputations, and lives. Your work creates real, tangible results for clients.

3. Strong Earning Potential

Litigation solicitors typically earn more as they gain experience — especially in commercial litigation, construction, or finance-related disputes.

4. Career Progression Is Clear

You can move from assistant solicitor to associate, senior associate, and eventually to partner or in-house litigation counsel.

Skills You Need to Succeed as a Litigation Solicitor

You might hold all the right qualifications, but do you have the mindset for litigation? Firms look for more than academic excellence. Here’s what makes a top performer:

1. Analytical Thinking

You must review complex evidence and legal issues quickly. Employers expect sharp, logical thinkers who see the bigger picture.

2. Communication Skills

Clear writing and confident speaking matter just as much as your legal knowledge. You’ll draft correspondence, argue motions, and negotiate regularly.

3. Resilience

Litigation gets stressful. Deadlines, client pressure, and unexpected twists demand a thick skin and calm under pressure.

4. Attention to Detail

One error in a witness statement or contract clause could cost the case. Precision is non-negotiable.

5. Commercial Awareness

Understanding your client’s business goals will make your advice more practical — and increase your value to the firm.

Where Are Litigation Solicitor Jobs Based?

Litigation jobs exist across the UK — not just in London. While the capital offers the largest number of high-value disputes, regional firms are just as busy. You’ll find excellent opportunities in:

• Manchester – Especially for commercial and civil litigation

• Leeds – A hub for banking and professional negligence disputes

• Birmingham – Offers a mix of public and private litigation roles

• Bristol – Thriving in insurance and construction litigation

• Glasgow & Edinburgh – Strong demand for civil and employment litigation

Remote and hybrid roles are also growing, so don’t feel tied to one location.

What Are the Salary Expectations for Litigation Solicitors?

Litigation salaries depend on experience, firm size, and region. Here’s what you can expect:

London offers the highest salaries, but regional roles often come with better work-life balance and lower living costs.

How to Land a Litigation Solicitor Job

You know what the job involves. You’ve got the skills. Now, how do you actually get hired?

1. Tailor Your CV to the Role

Don’t send a generic CV. Highlight your litigation experience — even if it came during your training contract. Mention case types, courts, and outcomes.

2. Show Your Commercial Mindset

Employers love solicitors who think commercially. Include examples of how you saved clients money, resolved cases early, or improved internal processes.

3. Network and Stay Visible

Engage with legal events, post on LinkedIn, and stay active in legal circles. Many roles never get advertised — connections matter.

4. Prepare Thoughtfully for Interviews

Understand the firm’s litigation team, recent casework, and approach to client service. Be ready to explain how you’ll contribute from day one.

5. Work with a Specialist Recruiter Like The Legists

We don’t just forward your CV. We match you with the right firms, coach you through the process, and make sure your strengths shine through.

Why Use The Legists to Find Your Litigation Role?

We focus exclusively on the legal sector, so we understand what firms really want in litigation hires. Here’s how we help you:

1. Access to Exclusive Roles

Many of our clients come to us first before they advertise publicly. You get early access and less competition.

2. Tailored Job Matching

We take time to understand your skills, preferences, and career goals. That way, we don’t just place you — we place you well.

3. Career Coaching and CV Support

From interview prep to CV writing, we help you present yourself as the strongest candidate.

4. National Coverage

We place litigation solicitors across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and more. Whether you want a high-end firm or a niche boutique, we’ll find the right match.

Final Thoughts: Take the Next Step in Your Litigation Career

Litigation solicitor jobs offer challenge, variety, and real impact. Whether you’re newly qualified or looking to step up into a senior role, opportunities are everywhere — if you know where to look.

At The Legists, we make sure you do. We listen, advise, and connect you with firms that value your expertise. Your next career move doesn’t have to be a leap in the dark — it can be a confident, well-informed step forward.