Dispute Resolution Solicitor - Guildford

Guildford, Surrey | Permanent | Top 100 Law Firm | £40,000 to £65,000 dependent on experience

Plenty of litigation roles will pigeonhole you into one narrow type of dispute within your first year. This one does the opposite.

A leading regional law firm, ranked in Chambers and the Legal 500 for its dispute resolution work, is recruiting an associate-level litigator for its Guildford office. The team handles a genuinely broad contentious caseload for businesses and private clients across Surrey and beyond, and it wants a lawyer who sees that breadth as an opportunity rather than a distraction.

The Role

• Contractual disputes, property and boundary matters, contested wills and probate, shareholder disputes, professional negligence and debt recovery

• Running your own files from an early stage, with real client contact

• Exposure to mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution alongside court work

• Working within a partner-led team with a strong regional reputation

About You

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 3+ years PQE in contentious work

• Backgrounds in commercial litigation, property litigation or contentious probate all welcome

• Strong technical foundations and commercial judgement matter more than a narrow specialism

• Lawyers looking to broaden their contentious practice are actively encouraged to apply

Why Consider It

• A directory-ranked team with clear progression to senior associate and beyond

• The heart of one of the busiest legal markets outside London, without London hours or a London commute

• Genuine variety of work and clients rather than a single-track caseload

• Hybrid working available

If you are weighing up whether to move firms, our guide on how to move law firms without missteps covers what to consider before making a decision. For salary benchmarking in this practice area, see our litigation solicitor salary guide for the South Coast.

All conversations are strictly confidential. To discuss this role, or the dispute resolution market across Surrey, contact Ben Holtom at RecQuest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dispute resolution solicitor do?

A dispute resolution solicitor advises and represents clients in contentious legal matters. This includes commercial contract disputes, property litigation, contested wills and probate, professional negligence claims, and debt recovery. Work involves negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings depending on the nature and stage of each dispute.

What salary can a dispute resolution solicitor expect in Guildford?

Salaries for dispute resolution solicitors in the Guildford and Surrey area typically range from £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience, specialism, and firm size. Senior associates and those with a following can command higher figures. For detailed benchmarks, visit the LawBoard salary estimator.

Do I need to specialise in one area of litigation?

Not for this role. The firm values breadth of contentious experience and is looking for a lawyer comfortable handling a varied caseload. Commercial litigation, property disputes, and contentious probate backgrounds are all relevant. The ability to manage different types of matters and advise clients pragmatically is more important than a narrow specialism.

Is this role open to Chartered Legal Executives?

Yes. The firm welcomes applications from both qualified solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives with equivalent contentious experience. If you are considering the differences between the two qualification routes, our article on legal executive vs solicitor career paths may be helpful.

What is the working pattern?

Hybrid working is available. The firm's Guildford office is the primary base, with flexibility around remote working. Specific arrangements are discussed as part of the process.