Residential Conveyancing Solicitor / Licensed Conveyancer (5+ PQE) 

Location: Chelmsford Area 

Salary: c.£50,000 – £62,000+ DOE/PQE & Benefits

Are you an experienced Conveyancing Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer looking for a pivotal role in a brand-new office launch? Our client is a leading, well-established law firm with an outstanding reputation across Essex. Following strategic growth, they are expanding into the Chelmsford area and seeking a senior residential property specialist to spearhead a new caseload, build regional relationships, and play a leading role in the office’s success.

The Opportunity

This is a standout opportunity for a senior fee earner who wants the excitement of building and shaping a new location backed by the full resources, administrative support, and backing of a major regional firm. Managing a high-quality residential caseload from instruction to completion, you will serve as the primary property expert in Chelmsford. Working alongside local estate agents and collaborating with the firm's wider remote legal teams, this role offers direct involvement in practice growth, team supervision, and long-term career advancement toward partner-level leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor, Licensed Conveyancer, or CILEX with 5+ years PQE in residential conveyancing within a reputable UK practice.

• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive handling of freehold/leasehold sales, purchases, re-mortgages, transfer of equity, new builds, and complex title investigations.

• Compliance & Standards: Strong knowledge of SRA, CQS, and data security protocols, ensuring high compliance and legal reporting standards.

• Leadership & Business Development: Proven track record of developing relationships with local estate agents, supervising junior staff, and driving department growth.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £50,000 – £62,000 dependent on experience level and regional track record.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible working models supported by modern legal technology and remote working frameworks.

• Time Off & Retirement: Generous annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays and firm pension scheme.

• Progression & Culture: Direct pathways for career advancement within a expanding office, funded ongoing CPD, regular team social events, and a genuinely collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this role. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.

Litigation Solicitor (2–5 PQE)

Location: Basildon Area

Salary: £45,000 – £58,000 + Benefits

Are you a proactive Litigation Solicitor seeking a dynamic role with a broad, high-quality caseload and direct client impact? Our client is a prominent, well-established law firm with a strong footprint across Essex. Known for their collaborative culture and excellent reputation in dispute resolution, they are seeking a dedicated Litigation Lawyer to join their growing practice in the Basildon area.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will manage a varied contentious caseload covering general commercial disputes, civil litigation, and property litigation matters. Working alongside experienced partners, you will play an active role in driving dispute strategy, developing client relationships, and expanding the firm's litigation presence across the region. With hands-on file autonomy, a well-resourced department, and modern case management technology, this position offers an ideal platform for long-term career growth and professional recognition.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 2–5 years PQE in civil, commercial, or property litigation within UK practice.

• Technical Expertise: Experience handling general litigation matters, with a strong advantage for candidates possessing background or interest in property disputes (e.g., landlord & tenant, boundary disputes, possession claims).

• Case Management & Compliance: Proven track record running client files efficiently from instruction to settlement or trial, maintaining full compliance with SRA standards.

• Client & Tech Skills: Excellent written and oral advocacy, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency with modern legal tech and case management systems.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £45,000 – £58,000 dependent on experience level and proven track record.

• Work-Life Balance: Supportive hybrid and flexible working options to support a modern work-life balance.

• Time Off & Retirement: Generous annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays and firm pension scheme.

• Progression & Culture: Funded ongoing CPD, direct pathways for career advancement, regular firm social events, and a highly collaborative team environment.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this role. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.

Private Client Solicitor (NQ – 2 PQE)

Location: Essex Area

Salary: c.£40,000 – £48,000+ DOE/PQE & Benefits

Are you an ambitious Newly Qualified Solicitor or early-career Private Client practitioner looking for a supportive environment to build a successful career? Our client is a leading, well-established law firm with a prominent presence across Essex. Known for their client-focused culture and excellent training frameworks, they are seeking a Private Client Solicitor (NQ – 2 PQE) to join their friendly and highly regarded team.

The Opportunity

This role offers an exceptional platform for an early-career solicitor seeking high-quality work, hands-on client contact, and structured supervision. Working alongside respected partners and experienced fee earners, you will manage an appropriate caseload covering wills, probate, estate planning, and lasting powers of attorney. With active mentorship, full backing for ongoing professional qualifications (including STEP), and a clear internal progression route, this position is ideal for someone passionate about developing into a well-rounded private client specialist.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales (NQ to 2 years PQE) with a genuine passion for private client law.

• Technical Foundation: Experience or seats completed in wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney.

• Client Care: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an empathetic, efficient approach to advising individuals and families.

• Compliance & Practice: Methodical approach to drafting legal documentation, file management in line with SRA and Lexcel standards, and an appetite to contribute to firm marketing initiatives.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £40,000 – £48,000 dependent on experience and PQE level.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible working arrangements offering a great modern work-life balance.

• Time Off & Retirement: Generous annual leave allowance plus Bank Holidays and firm pension scheme.

• Development & Culture: Funded training and membership support (e.g., STEP), structured supervision, regular firm social events, and a genuinely collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this role. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.

Private Client Solicitor (3+ PQE)

Location: Basildon Area

Salary: c.£48,000 – £60,000+ DOE/PQE & Benefits

Are you an ambitious Private Client Solicitor looking for a supportive environment where you can manage a varied, high-quality caseload with genuine autonomy? Our client is a leading, well-established law firm with a prominent presence across Essex. Known for their client-focused approach and positive workplace culture, they are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join their friendly and growing team in the Basildon area.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will take ownership of a diverse private client portfolio while benefiting from the backing of a collaborative, highly regarded department. Handling a range of matters from wills and probate to complex estate planning and trusts, you will serve as a trusted advisor to individuals and families across the region. With direct client exposure and active support for professional development (including STEP qualification), this is an ideal platform for a practitioner seeking long-term progression within a firm that genuinely values work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years PQE specializing in private client practice.

• Technical Expertise: Confident handling wills, estate planning, probate, estate administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and trusts independently.

• Client Engagement: Exceptional communication skills with an empathetic, client-focused approach and a strong track record of building lasting client relationships.

• Business Development & Compliance: Proactive in regional marketing initiatives, SRA and Lexcel compliance, and supporting/mentoring junior team members.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: c.£48,000 – £60,000+ dependent on experience level and proven track record.

• Work-Life Balance: Supportive hybrid and flexible working options to suit individual needs.

• Time Off & Retirement: Generous annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays and a firm pension scheme.

• Progression & Perks: Funded ongoing professional training and membership support (e.g., STEP), regular firm social events, and clear pathways for career advancement.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this role. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.

Residential Development Legal Director / Senior Associate

Location: Reading or Guildford (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Residential Development)

If you’re a residential development lawyer who enjoys the land acquisition side of the market and wants to work on complex, high-value projects, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading team advising housebuilders nationally.

This role suits a Senior Associate or Legal Director who is confident running matters, enjoys building trusted relationships with clients, and wants a clear pathway to progress as part of a large, specialist residential development unit.

You’ll join a specialist residential development team that works exclusively with housebuilders, advising on a broad range of land acquisition and strategic development matters across England and Wales. You’ll have the support of a wider specialist group (including planning, construction and litigation) and an established plot team, allowing you to focus on land and development work.

This is a growth hire, with genuine long-term progression for lawyers who want to build a career in residential development and take on increasing responsibility.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on complex and large-scale land acquisitions for residential development projects

• Working on collaboration agreements between developers

• Handling disposals of service parcels

• Advising on funding arrangements

• Supporting strategic options and urban regeneration work

• Managing matters with appropriate supervision and taking ownership of transactions

• Building strong client relationships through clear, practical advice and excellent client service

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong residential development / land acquisition experience

• Experience working with housebuilders

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial advice

• Ability to run matters and manage competing deadlines

• A collaborative approach and interest in mentoring junior lawyers

Desirable

• Experience of strategic land projects (options, conditional contracts, development agreements and collaboration agreements)

• Interest in long-term progression and helping grow a specialist practice

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Hybrid working

• Comprehensive training and development support, including management and career development programmes

• Access to a strong technical support function and learning platform

• Flexible benefits package (grade dependent), including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan

• Sharesave scheme and wider reward options

• Clear progression pathway for ambitious lawyers

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: Reading or Guildford.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David  d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Residential Development Legal Director / Senior Associate

Location: Reading or Guildford (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Residential Development)

If you’re a residential development lawyer who enjoys the land acquisition side of the market and wants to work on complex, high-value projects, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading team advising housebuilders nationally.

This role suits a Senior Associate or Legal Director who is confident running matters, enjoys building trusted relationships with clients, and wants a clear pathway to progress as part of a large, specialist residential development unit.

You’ll join a specialist residential development team that works exclusively with housebuilders, advising on a broad range of land acquisition and strategic development matters across England and Wales. You’ll have the support of a wider specialist group (including planning, construction and litigation) and an established plot team, allowing you to focus on land and development work.

This is a growth hire, with genuine long-term progression for lawyers who want to build a career in residential development and take on increasing responsibility.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on complex and large-scale land acquisitions for residential development projects

• Working on collaboration agreements between developers

• Handling disposals of service parcels

• Advising on funding arrangements

• Supporting strategic options and urban regeneration work

• Managing matters with appropriate supervision and taking ownership of transactions

• Building strong client relationships through clear, practical advice and excellent client service

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong residential development / land acquisition experience

• Experience working with housebuilders

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial advice

• Ability to run matters and manage competing deadlines

• A collaborative approach and interest in mentoring junior lawyers

Desirable

• Experience of strategic land projects (options, conditional contracts, development agreements and collaboration agreements)

• Interest in long-term progression and helping grow a specialist practice

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £95,000 to £155,000 (dependent on experience)

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Hybrid working

• Comprehensive training and development support, including management and career development programmes

• Access to a strong technical support function and learning platform

• Flexible benefits package (grade dependent), including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan

• Sharesave scheme and wider reward options

• Clear progression pathway for ambitious lawyers

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: Reading or Guildford.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David  d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Corporate Associate - Equity Capital Markets 

Location: London or Birmingham (hybrid working)

Salary: £95,000 to £140,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Equity Capital Markets)

If you’re an Equity Capital Markets lawyer who thrives on transactional work and wants a role with real visibility, ownership and progression, this is a standout opportunity to join a national ECM team that is growing on the back of strong instructions.

This role suits a high-performing Associate or Senior Associate who enjoys taking the lead on matters, working closely with partners on complex transactions, and helping shape the future of a national practice.

You’ll join a national Equity Capital Markets team advising corporates, investment banks, brokers and major shareholders on a wide range of capital markets matters. The work includes primary and secondary offerings listed on UK and international exchanges, alongside public M&A and corporate governance.

You’ll be encouraged to build your profile in the market, develop your network, and mentor junior lawyers. The firm offers structured career development, technical support and a transparent promotion process for ambitious lawyers who want to progress.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on equity capital markets transactions, including primary and secondary offerings

• Supporting on public M&A and corporate governance matters

• Managing transactions and taking ownership of matters, with partner support on complex and high-value work

• Advising a varied client base including corporates, investment banks, brokers and major shareholders

• Working on cross-border transactions (helpful but not essential)

• Building and strengthening client relationships through clear, commercial advice

• Contributing to business development, networking and profile-raising activity

• Mentoring junior lawyers and supporting team development

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 7+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) with strong equity capital markets experience

• Experience of public M&A and corporate governance

• Proven ability to manage transactions and take ownership of matters

• Strong technical skills and confidence providing commercial, well-reasoned advice

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• Cross-border transactional experience

• Interest in building a market profile and developing new connections

What’s On Offer

• Market-rate salary band: £95,000 to £140,000 (dependent on experience)

• Hybrid working from London or Birmingham

• Comprehensive training programme and technical support, including a strong PSL function and precedent bank

• Structured career development, including business development coaching for future partners

• Transparent promotion process and clear progression pathway

• Flexible benefits package, including options such as purchasing additional annual leave, cycle to work, healthcare, employee assistance programme, pension and season ticket loan (grade dependent)

• Annual bonus opportunity linked to individual performance

• Wider learning and development platform with access to courses and skills development

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role.

Base: London or Birmingham.

Hybrid working supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to David d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Residential Development Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: Experienced residential development lawyer (PQE not specified)

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced residential development lawyer to join a busy, specialist team in Leeds, working at the heart of complex site set-up and infrastructure work for major residential schemes.

You’ll sit between land acquisition and plot sales, helping ensure matters transition smoothly and that infrastructure and statutory processes do not delay plot sales. If you enjoy stakeholder management, technical problem-solving and being close to the commercial drivers on a development, this role offers real variety and profile.

The Opportunity

• Advise on infrastructure agreements arising before and during site development

• Put in place legal arrangements enabling roads and utility services to be laid and adopted

• Help ensure statutory processes do not delay plot sales

• Negotiate agreements with multiple stakeholders to keep work progressing to the developer’s schedule

• Manage client relationships and keep clients regularly updated

• Work closely with internal colleagues across land acquisition and plot sales, identifying issues early and helping resolve them before they impact plot sales

• Liaise with external stakeholders including local authorities and project professionals as required

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong experience in residential development work, including plot sales and site set-up matters

• Confident drafting and negotiating infrastructure and development documentation

• Strong technical ability with a commercial, solutions-focused approach

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to keep matters moving to timetable

• Collaborative working style and confidence working across multiple internal teams

• Strong client care and communication

Desirable

• Experience advising on larger-scale residential schemes with multiple stakeholders

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Leeds location

• High-quality residential development work with a strong, repeat client base

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist residential development capability advising across the full life cycle of new build housing, from acquisition and planning through to build-out and plot sales. The team works collaboratively across disciplines and offers a supportive environment with strong investment in development.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Flexible working patterns are available.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Residential Development Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000

Experience: 3 to 5 years PQE

If you are a development solicitor who enjoys land-led work, complex deals and working with high-calibre housebuilder clients, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy Manchester team with genuine long-term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate into their Residential Development team, focusing on land acquisition work for national and regional housebuilders and developers. You will be supported by a wider specialist group, but your day-to-day focus will be on the land side of residential development, with plenty of exposure to high-value, strategic transactions.

The Opportunity

This is a multi-faceted role with a varied mix of work, including:

• Complex and large-scale land acquisitions across England and Wales

• Development and collaboration agreements between developers

• Strategic options and conditional contracts

• Funding arrangements

• Disposals of serviced parcels

• Urban regeneration projects

You will be joining a large, well-resourced residential development group with specialist support across related areas, giving you the platform to focus on land acquisition work and develop depth in this space.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements

• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure, keeping matters commercially focused and moving forward

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined-up service

• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice

• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition work

• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful, but not essential

• Strong drafting skills and confidence handling complex, document-heavy transactions

• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving

• Strong client care and the ability to build trust with stakeholders

• A genuine interest in specialising further in residential development and land acquisition

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Strong learning and development support, including structured training and access to wider learning platforms

• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave

• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• Clear long-term progression, with a strong track record of developing specialists into senior roles

Working Arrangements

Manchester-based role with hybrid working available. Flexible working patterns are supported.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Real Estate Dispute Resolution Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (preferred)

This is a great opportunity for a property litigation solicitor to join a specialist Real Estate Dispute Resolution team in Manchester, working on a broad mix of contentious property matters.

You’ll run your own caseload with appropriate supervision, support on more complex disputes and ADR, and build strong client relationships across a varied client base.

The Opportunity

• Advise on landlord and tenant disputes (including lease renewals, dilapidations and forfeiture)

• Handle development-related disputes (including rights of light, restrictive covenants and boundary issues)

• Manage possession claims and trespass actions

• Support property insolvency and enforcement work

• Draft pleadings, witness statements and instructions to counsel

• Attend hearings, mediations and client meetings

• Manage your own caseload with appropriate supervision

• Support senior colleagues on complex litigation and ADR matters

• Contribute to team training, knowledge sharing and mentoring junior team members

• Get involved in marketing and business development initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Experience in contentious property / real estate dispute resolution

• Strong technical knowledge of real estate law and dispute resolution processes

• Experience of County Court and/or First-tier Tribunal proceedings

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Organised, methodical approach with strong attention to detail

• Commercial mindset and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• 2 to 5 years’ PQE in property litigation (or equivalent experience)

• Experience handling a broad range of landlord and tenant and development-related disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Manchester location

• Varied caseload across litigation and ADR

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist property disputes capability, known for straight-talking, commercially focused advice and a collaborative approach. The team acts for a broad range of clients including developers, investors, landlords, tenants and public sector bodies.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Flexible working patterns are available.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.