Junior Commercial Litigation Barrister or Solicitor (Consultant)
We are looking for a junior Commercial Litigation Barrister or Solicitor to join Harper James on a flexible, freelance consultancy basis.
This is an excellent opportunity to support a growing and diverse client base, ranging from innovative start-ups and scale-ups to established national and international businesses. You will assist our litigation team with the preparation and progression of court proceedings within a modern, tech-enabled law firm.
Working as part of our flexible consultant model, you will have the autonomy to manage agreed workstreams while benefiting from the support, infrastructure and collaborative culture of a forward-thinking national firm.
What you’ll be doing
You will support senior members of the Commercial Litigation team with the preparation, management and conduct of court litigation.
The role will suit an organised and detail-focused lawyer who is confident handling procedural work, drafting, evidence preparation and case administration to a high standard.
Your work is likely to include:
Assisting with the preparation and drafting of statements of case, applications, witness statements, chronologies and other court documents
Conducting legal and factual research to support live disputes and litigation strategy
Reviewing, organising and analysing documentary evidence
Preparing trial bundles, hearing bundles and electronic bundles in accordance with court requirements
Assisting with disclosure exercises, including document review, categorisation and preparation of disclosure lists
Drafting correspondence with clients, opponents, counsel, courts and other relevant parties
Preparing case summaries, attendance notes, hearing notes and internal updates
Supporting the preparation of applications, hearings, mediations and trials
Assisting with the management of court deadlines, procedural timetables and case management requirements
Liaising with clients to obtain instructions, documents and witness evidence
Supporting senior solicitors and barristers with the efficient day-to-day management of litigation matters
You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the wider Harper James legal team where disputes intersect with corporate, commercial, employment, intellectual property, real estate or insolvency matters.
What we’re looking for
A UK qualified Barrister or Solicitor with experience in commercial litigation and court procedure.
Junior-level experience, with the confidence to assist on active litigation matters under appropriate supervision
Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and practical experience of litigation processes
Experience preparing court documents, bundles, chronologies and evidence
Excellent legal research, drafting and analytical skills
Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to procedural requirements and document management
Ability to work efficiently, independently and flexibly while managing competing priorities
Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
A pragmatic, client-focused approach and an interest in supporting ambitious businesses through dispute resolution
Experience working with electronic disclosure, e-bundling or litigation technology would be advantageous
The Harper James difference
We are a tech-driven, agile law firm where lawyers are empowered with modern legal technology to maximise efficiency, productivity and work-life balance. Our consultant model offers flexibility, autonomy and the ability to work remotely, while remaining part of a supportive national team.
At Harper James, we keep things straightforward. We are relaxed and informal but well organised.
There are no politics and no big egos, if people around us succeed, so do we. We welcome proactive, self-motivated lawyers who thrive in a modern legal environment and are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.
The bottom line
This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting the continued growth of our Commercial Litigation team, working alongside experienced colleagues and a great team of people who all contribute to our shared success.
Flexible working within a fully remote but collaborative team. Ad hoc attendance at our office in the centre of Birmingham is likely from time-to-time depending on work requirements.
We are offering a competitive consultancy rate, with flexibility and autonomy as part of the Harper James consultant model.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
We believe every business - no matter its size - deserves access to top-tier legal support.
Our mission is simple: to make expert legal advice affordable, flexible and tailored to the needs of growing businesses.
With service plans for every stage of your journey, quality legal advice is always within reach. And unlike traditional law firms our pricing is clear – no surprises, no hidden costs. Explore our Engage, Enable and Extend plans on our website, with hourly fees starting from £159 on a subscription plan.
It’s not just our pricing that sets us apart. We offer exceptional advice from senior lawyers, most of whom have worked at top 100 law firms and in-house, with an average 17+ years' experience. From commercial law to employment disputes, we make sure you're covered, always prioritising your business goals.
Together, we’ve proudly supported thousands of businesses across the UK, from start-ups to scale-ups and beyond. We’re here for you through every challenge and opportunity, making sure you have the legal support to thrive.
Don't just take our word for it, we have been independently recognised as a top SME-focused law firm by Chambers and Partners in their 2026 guide.
And if you’re a solicitor or business professional looking for a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Most of us work remotely – which means lower costs with no compromise on quality for clients, and incredible work-life balance for our people, while still being part of a warm and friendly culture.
