Banking & Finance Litigation Senior Associate

Senior Associate - Financial Services Disputes & Investigations (FSDI)

Location: Bristol

A leading UK law firm is recruiting for a Senior Associate to join its market-leading Financial Services Disputes and Investigations (FSDI) team in Bristol. This opportunity provides the chance to work within one of the largest financial services litigation teams in the UK, consisting of over 150 professionals across offices in Bristol, Manchester, London, Belfast, and Glasgow. The team is consistently ranked in the top tier by Chambers for its work outside London, advising on complex and high-profile financial disputes.

The FSDI team handles a broad range of contentious matters, including high-value banking litigation, professional negligence claims, investment disputes, regulatory and fraud cases, trade finance, and receivership instructions. The team advises a diverse and prestigious client base that includes major UK clearing banks, international banks, digital banks, payment service providers, and fixed charge receivers.

The team is known for its expertise in managing sensitive and high-stakes matters, providing both strategic and commercial legal advice. The firm's strong focus on client relationships and proactive approach to dispute prevention sets them apart. As the team continues to grow, it remains committed to supporting and developing its individual members, ensuring they have the opportunity to progress in their careers.

The Senior Associate will play a key role in managing a diverse and complex caseload of contentious financial services matters. The role offers the opportunity to provide strategic legal advice to prominent UK and international clients. The Senior Associate will be involved in a wide variety of disputes, including regulatory challenges, fraud, banking litigation, and investment disputes.

In addition to managing their own caseload, the Senior Associate will supervise junior team members, including Associates, Trainees, and Paralegals. The role also offers opportunities to engage in business development activities, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a varied caseload, advising on contentious financial services matters for key clients.
• Provide strategic and commercial legal advice, working alongside senior team members.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members, supporting their professional development.
• Participate in business development activities to nurture existing relationships and establish new ones.
• Contribute to legal updates and knowledge management within the team.

The Ideal Candidate

• A qualified solicitor (SRA or Law Society Registered) with 3+ years' PQE, ideally in financial litigation, although applications from those with a background in commercial litigation will also be considered.
• Experience in managing a caseload of contentious financial services or commercial litigation matters.
• A strong understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and the litigation process.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members is desirable.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex workloads and deadlines.
• A commercially aware and forward-thinking individual with experience in business development and client relationship management.

What's on Offer

• A flexible and hybrid working environment, promoting work-life balance.
• A competitive salary and annual pay reviews.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, 25 days of holiday (increasing with service), and a flexible benefits scheme.
• Exceptional career development opportunities within a top-tier team.
• A collaborative and inclusive work culture that supports individual growth, well-being, and a diverse workforce.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Financial Services Disputes lawyer to progress their career in a thriving, supportive environment while working on high-profile and complex matters for prestigious clients.

For more information or to apply, please contact us directly.