Articles From the Team

Litigation roles in a thriving market

Commercial litigation has always been a highly sought after practice area when qualifying. It offers the ability for a breadth of work and pick of a huge range of firms, with those from the top tier to large nationals, regional and boutique practices generally having commercial litigation teams. For candidates who enjoy contentious work, commercial litigation is often seen as the pinnacle of the contentious market. However, for lawyers looking for top quality work, niche litigation roles should not be overlooked.

Commercial litigation roles can offer the ability to work on complex disputes, including breach of contract and warranty claims and shareholder disputes – routinely advising both local companies and national PLC’s on business critical matters, it can offer a varied and challenging caseload. Top tier law firms can also offer the opportunity to handle international disputes and a tap into a global team. However, these roles are hugely competitive and often teams are large meaning progression is limited. Niche roles such as professional indemnity, commercial insurance, aviation and marine can open up candidates to a much greater array of options, while providing the complexity of work and long term prospects ambitious candidates crave.

There is a misconception that insurance work is low value, high churn and low paid, but this is far from the reality. Professional indemnity and commercial insurance work is the highest level of insurance work available and can offer litigators the opportunity to work on complex, multi million pound disputes. With the likes of Clyde & Co, DWF, DAC and Kennedys thriving in Manchester, there is a real ability to take on national and international insurance disputes whilst based in the North West. Marine and aviation roles are further examples of the ability to work on complex disputes with an international focus.

With the attraction of top quality work, market leading salaries and the opportunity to progress, the move to a more niche litigation team can be a lucrative move well worth exploring. Whether you are an NQ solicitor or experienced commercial litigation lawyer, if you have the drive and determination to progress your career, there are certainly options well worth exploring.

For more information contact BCL Legal or call 0845 241 0933.