Non-Contentious Construction Legal Director/Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £105,000 to £150,000 (salaried partner) + bonus and benefits

Experience: Senior level (Legal Director/Partner)

Our client is looking to appoint a senior non-contentious construction lawyer into its Leeds team. This is a strategic hire with real scope to lead key relationships, shape the offering, and support growth across the wider real estate and projects practice.

The role is focused on advising on construction and engineering documentation and risk across a broad range of developments and infrastructure-style projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading on non-contentious construction matters, acting as the senior point of contact for clients and internal stakeholders

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of construction and engineering documents

• Advising on procurement strategy, contract negotiation, risk allocation and project delivery issues

• Supporting clients through the project lifecycle, including variations, extensions of time, payment mechanisms and termination provisions

• Advising on consultant appointments, collateral warranties and related security packages

• Supervising and mentoring lawyers within the team, supporting technical development and consistent quality

• Supporting business development, including cross-selling, pitching, panel work and profile-raising in the Leeds market

What We’re Looking For

• Strong private practice experience in non-contentious construction

• Excellent drafting skills and confident commercial judgement

• Comfortable leading matters and advising stakeholders at senior level

• Experience supervising others and taking ownership of delivery and client service

• A collaborative approach and genuine interest in building a long-term platform in Leeds

What’s On Offer

• Senior role with influence over client relationships and team direction

• High-quality work and a strong pipeline

• Supportive, collegiate culture with clear investment in development and retention

• Hybrid working

• Bonus and benefits package

Working Arrangements

This role is based in Leeds with hybrid working 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 treated in the strictest confidence.

Non-Contentious Construction Associate/Senior Associate

Location: Leeds

Salary: £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 4 to 7 PQE

Our client is looking to hire a non-contentious construction lawyer into its Leeds team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys drafting, negotiating and advising on construction documentation, and who wants to build a long-term platform within a supportive and collaborative firm.

You will work closely with colleagues across real estate, projects and disputes, advising a wide range of clients on the legal and commercial aspects of construction and engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of construction and engineering documents

• Advising on procurement routes, risk allocation and contract strategy

• Supporting clients through project lifecycles, including variations, extensions of time, payment provisions and termination

• Advising on consultant appointments and collateral warranties

• Working collaboratively with disputes colleagues where issues escalate into claims

• Supporting knowledge sharing and mentoring more junior team members

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in non-contentious construction work within private practice

• Strong drafting skills and a practical, commercial approach to risk

• Comfortable managing matters with appropriate supervision and delivering a high standard of client service

• Experience supervising others and taking ownership of workstreams is preferred

• A collaborative mindset and interest in developing your career in Leeds

What’s On Offer

• High-quality work and a strong pipeline

• Clear progression and investment in development and retention

• Hybrid working

• Bonus and benefits package

Working Arrangements

This role is based in Leeds with hybrid working 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 treated in the strictest confidence.

Contentious Construction Legal Director/Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £110,000 to £160,000 (salaried partner) plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Senior level, significant contentious construction disputes experience

Our client is looking to appoint a senior contentious construction lawyer into its Leeds team. This is a genuine leadership hire with scope to shape the disputes offering, develop client relationships, and support the wider team as it continues to grow.

This role will suit someone who enjoys being close to clients, taking ownership of complex matters, and helping to build a high-performing team. The firm offers a modern, supportive environment with a strong focus on retaining and developing its people.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on a varied caseload of contentious construction matters, including high-value and strategically important disputes

• Advising across the full disputes lifecycle, including pre-action strategy, adjudication, arbitration, litigation, mediation and settlement

• Handling claims involving defects, delay and disruption, payment disputes, final accounts, professional negligence and related issues

• Supporting clients across the construction supply chain (for example employers, contractors, subcontractors and consultants)

• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, supporting their technical development and confidence with clients

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider disputes and real estate teams to provide joined-up advice

• Contributing to business development, including relationship management, pitching, thought leadership and profile raising

What We’re Looking For

• Strong track record in contentious construction disputes within private practice

• Comfortable running complex matters with minimal supervision and taking ownership of strategy

• Confident communicator who can build trust quickly with clients and colleagues

• Experience of supervising others and supporting team development

• Commercial approach and appetite for business development

What’s On Offer

• Salaried partner level package: £90,000 to £150,000 plus bonus and benefits

• Hybrid working

• High quality work and a clear platform to build and grow a practice

• Supportive culture with a genuine focus on development and retention

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working is available. The role is based in Leeds.

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 will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Contentious Construction Associate Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000

Experience: 4+ years PQE (Contentious Construction)

This is a strong opportunity for a contentious construction solicitor who wants high-quality work, genuine exposure to complex disputes, and the chance to grow with a specialist construction practice.

Our client is an award-winning, construction and engineering focused firm with an established reputation in the sector. The practice advises across the full lifecycle of construction and engineering matters, including dispute resolution and contract support, and is backed by a wider legal services group, offering additional stability and a strong platform for growth.

You’ll join a busy team handling complex disputes and working closely with clients in the construction and engineering industries.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll support a specialist contentious construction practice, advising on a varied caseload which is likely to include:

• Construction and engineering disputes across a range of sectors

• Adjudications, mediations, arbitrations and litigation

• Disputes arising from standard form contracts (including JCT and NEC)

• Claims involving defects, delay, disruption and payment issues

• Working closely with clients, experts and counsel to progress matters efficiently

• Contributing to the continued growth of the team through excellent client service and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• 4+ years PQE with a strong grounding in contentious construction matters

• Experience of managing your own caseload with appropriate supervision

• Confident communication style and a client-focused approach

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment

• Commercial mindset and interest in developing long-term within a specialist practice

Desirable

• Experience of adjudication and/or arbitration

• Exposure to disputes involving professional negligence, consultants or collateral warranties

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £80,000 (dependent on experience)

• High-quality, complex contentious construction work with strong client exposure

• Clear scope to develop with the team as the practice continues to grow

• Backing of a wider legal services group, offering stability and longer-term progression

• Hybrid working

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent

• Leeds-based

• Hybrid working

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

Junior / Semi Senior Accountant 

Salary: £30,000–£33,000 DOE

Location: Warrington | ACCA Study Support

Are you an ambitious Junior or Semi Senior Accountant looking to accelerate your career in a supportive and forward-thinking practice? This is an exceptional opportunity to join a well-established, independent accountancy firm in Warrington, where you’ll gain hands-on exposure to a diverse client portfolio and benefit from structured progression and full study support.

The Opportunity

Our client is a growing, close-knit firm of Chartered Accountants, with a collaborative team of professionals ranging from trainees through to qualified specialists across accounts and tax. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a motivated individual to join their accounts team and play a key role in delivering high-quality client services.

This role offers excellent exposure, responsibility from day one, and a clear pathway to progression within a firm that truly invests in its people.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the accounts team, you will:

• Prepare statutory year-end accounts for a wide range of clients
• Manage and develop your own portfolio of clients, building strong relationships
• Prepare management accounts and provide meaningful financial insights
• Complete VAT returns accurately and efficiently
• Support clients with bookkeeping queries and solutions
• Assist with the calculation of corporation tax liabilities

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Part-qualified ACCA (or equivalent) or actively studying
• 1–3 years’ UK accountancy practice experience (essential)
• Strong academic background (A-Levels and/or degree)
• Proficiency in Xero and/or FreeAgent bookkeeping systems
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to liaise directly with clients
• A proactive, team-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills

Salary & Benefits

Our client is offering a highly competitive package, including:

• £30,000 – £33,000 salary (DOE)
• Full ACCA study support (ACCA Approved Employer)
• Hybrid working options (office and home-based flexibility)
• Life insurance cover
• Workplace pension scheme
• Structured career progression opportunities within the firm
• Supportive, collaborative working environment with ongoing professional development

Apply Now

If you are looking to take the next step in your accountancy career within a supportive and progressive firm, we would be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
David Hawthorne-Finch
d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Confidentiality Notice:
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Our client’s identity will be disclosed upon application.

Residential Property Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive

Location: York

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000

Experience: 2+ years PQE (Residential Conveyancing)

A well-established Yorkshire law firm is looking to recruit a Residential Property Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to join its York team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys running matters from instruction through to completion, delivering a high standard of client care, and building strong relationships with agents and referrers.

You will handle a varied caseload of residential property transactions and will play a key role in supporting the team’s continued growth. The role suits someone proactive, organised, and confident managing files independently, while also contributing to a supportive, collaborative team environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a varied caseload of sales, purchases and remortgages from instruction to completion

• Drafting and reviewing contracts, title documentation and leasehold papers

• Raising and responding to enquiries, reviewing searches, and providing clear, practical advice

• Liaising with clients, estate agents and lenders to keep transactions moving smoothly

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with referrers and repeat clients

• Supporting the wider team and, where appropriate, supervising junior colleagues

• Delivering efficient, high-quality service with strong attention to detail

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years PQE (or equivalent experience) in residential conveyancing

• Qualified Solicitor (SQE route) or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx)

• Strong understanding of professional integrity and client care

• Confident working independently, with the ability to prioritise and manage deadlines

• Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach

• Comfortable using case management systems and Microsoft Office

What’s On Offer

• £40,000 to £55,000 salary (depending on experience)

• Bonus scheme (subject to eligibility criteria)

• Enhanced annual leave, plus birthday leave (subject to eligibility criteria)

• Health and wellbeing benefits

• Cycle to Work scheme (subject to eligibility criteria)

• Legal services benefit (subject to eligibility criteria)

• Long service awards

• Structured, funded training and ongoing professional development

• Team events and wellbeing initiatives

About the Firm

Our client is a long-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation for integrity, approachability, and high-quality client service. The firm offers a supportive environment where people are encouraged to take ownership of their work and develop their careers.

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time, permanent role based in York.

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 will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Associate - Commercial Disputes

Location: Manchester

Salary: £55,000 - £75,000

Experience required: 2-5 Years PQE

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Commercial Disputes Associate to join our dynamic legal team, specializing in strategic dispute resolution and commercial litigation.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Commercial Litigation Strategy:
  • Managing complex commercial dispute cases
  • Developing strategic litigation approaches
  • Advising clients on dispute resolution mechanisms
  • Preparing comprehensive legal arguments
  • Conducting thorough legal research
• Dispute Resolution:
  • Negotiating settlements
  • Representing clients in mediation
  • Preparing for arbitration proceedings
  • Managing alternative dispute resolution processes
  • Drafting settlement agreements
• Client Advisory Services:
  • Providing strategic legal counsel
  • Delivering clear and actionable advice
  • Managing client expectations
  • Developing innovative dispute resolution strategies
  • Supporting clients through complex legal challenges
• Case Management:
  • Coordinating complex litigation processes
  • Managing multiple dispute cases simultaneously
  • Preparing comprehensive legal documentation
  • Liaising with counsel and external stakeholders
  • Conducting detailed case analysis
• Professional Development:
  • Contributing to the commercial disputes practice
  • Staying updated on emerging commercial law trends
  • Participating in knowledge sharing
  • Supporting junior team members
  • Maintaining high professional standards

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with:
  • 2-5 years' post-qualification experience
  • Demonstrable expertise in commercial disputes
  • Strong track record of client service
• Comprehensive understanding of:
  • Commercial litigation processes
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms
  • Contract law and commercial agreements
  • Arbitration and mediation procedures
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities
• Ability to manage complex commercial disputes
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in managing multiple cases

Desirable:

• Additional dispute resolution qualifications
• Experience in specific commercial sectors
• Knowledge of international commercial law
• Experience with high-value dispute cases
• Understanding of sector-specific legal challenges

Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Salary: £55,000 - £75,000
• Performance-related bonus potential
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Career progression opportunities

Professional Development:

• Comprehensive training programmes
• Support for advanced qualifications
• Mentoring from experienced commercial litigation specialists
• Access to cutting-edge legal technology
• Opportunities to shape practice strategy

Additional Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive wellbeing support
• Flexible working arrangements
• Mental health resources

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Manchester office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Flexible arrangements available

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an ambitious commercial disputes professional looking to advance your career, we want to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Insolvency Associate

Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 + Bonus

Location: Manchester (hybrid/flexible working)

Experience: 4+ Years PQE

Join a Leading City Firm's Expanding Insolvency Practice

Are you an ambitious insolvency lawyer looking to join a City-led international firm with a thriving Manchester practice? Our client is seeking an experienced Insolvency Associate with transactional, advisory and contentious restructuring experience to join their cross-office Insolvency team. This is your opportunity to work on high-quality restructuring and insolvency matters whilst developing your technical expertise, client management and profile-raising skills in a collaborative, supportive environment.

About the Role

As an Insolvency Associate, you'll join the Manchester team and work with the cross-office Insolvency team, supporting both non-contentious restructuring and insolvency litigation work. You'll be encouraged to think beyond the law and into the commercial, whilst being empowered to take ownership over your marketing efforts and build your professional profile.

You'll be well supported at partner level and by other fee-earners not just in your immediate team but throughout the whole department, working collaboratively to deliver the best solutions for clients.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Advisory Work: Advising office holders, directors, lenders and other stakeholders on restructuring and insolvency issues

• Distressed Transactions: Acting for office holders and buyers on distressed business and asset sales

• Insolvency Litigation: Undertaking insolvency litigation including breach of duty, transactions at undervalue and other claims

• Caseload Management: Handling own caseload (subject to supervision) and managing files efficiently and cost-effectively

• Complex Matters: Assisting partners and senior lawyers with more substantial matters including distressed transactions and insolvency litigation

• Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining effective client relationships, particularly with referrers of work such as national accountancy and insolvency practitioners

• Business Development: Participating in marketing initiatives, including client training days, seminars, contributions to the quarterly insolvency newsletter and other business development activities

• Compliance: Ensuring files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures

• Professional Development: Participating in firm-wide and departmental training sessions

• Target Management: Meeting agreed targets and managing time and billing efficiently

This role offers genuine variety across both contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, with excellent opportunities for career development and client-facing work.

About You

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified solicitor with at least 4 years' post-qualification experience

• Contentious and/or non-contentious experience in a broad range of insolvency and restructuring matters

• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files independently where appropriate

• Strong client focus and commitment to service delivery

• Excellent technical knowledge across restructuring and insolvency law

• Drive and enthusiasm with a genuine passion for the practice area

• Flexibility and a can-do attitude

• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to provide pragmatic solutions

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience advising office holders, directors and lenders on complex restructuring matters

• Track record in distressed business and asset sales

• Insolvency litigation experience including breach of duty and undervalue transaction claims

• Established relationships with national accountancy and insolvency practitioners

• Demonstrable business development success or client following

• Experience contributing to marketing initiatives and thought leadership

What's On Offer

Competitive Remuneration Package:

• Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience)

• Performance-related bonus

• Comprehensive benefits package

Career Development:

• Career Development Framework setting out clear competencies and progression pathways

• Excellent support from partners and senior lawyers across the cross-office team

• Opportunity to take ownership over marketing efforts and profile-raising

• Empowerment to bring your ideas, experiences and expertise

• Firm-wide and departmental training sessions

• Collaborative working environment with support throughout the whole department

Professional Environment:

• Work with a City-led international firm with offices across the UK, Middle East and Asia

• Strategic partnership with Interlaw facilitating management of multi-jurisdictional matters

• Leading practices in Corporate, Litigation, Tax, Banking and Finance, Real Estate and Private Wealth

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• Strategic direction shaped by ESG principles guiding firm-wide operations

About Our Client

Our client is a City-led, international and national law firm with over 170 partners and 1,000 staff, with offices across the UK, Middle East and Asia. Their global footprint is further enhanced by their strategic partnership with Interlaw which works to facilitate their management of multi-jurisdictional matters.

The firm has leading practices in Corporate, Litigation, Tax, Banking and Finance, Real Estate and Private Wealth, and is committed to delivering excellence whilst prioritising client satisfaction.

The firm has always been proud of its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and values the variety of its partnership. They believe it is their people that make them unique, and they expect and respect that you and your talents are too. Their strategic direction is shaped by a desire to grow the business in a way that is responsible and sustainable, with the principles of ESG at its core.

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in Manchester, with the opportunity to work with the cross-office Insolvency team across the firm's UK offices. The firm offers modern office facilities with excellent transport links and a collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

If you're an ambitious Insolvency Associate with 4+ years PQE looking to join a leading City firm's expanding Manchester practice, with excellent support and genuine career development opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact: Lee Hawthorne-Finch lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com 0333 996 2882

Please submit your CV in confidence. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment practices. We value transparency, integrity, and building trusted partnerships. All candidate information is treated confidentially, and we never share your details without your explicit consent.

Family Law Senior Associate | 4 Days Remote Working

Salary: c.£55,000-£75,000+  DOE/PQE/Qualification

Location:  Chester

About the Role

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from instruction through to completion
• Providing expert legal advice to clients on all aspects of family law
• Conducting negotiations and representing clients in court proceedings
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development initiatives with full training and support
• Maintaining excellent client care standards throughout all matters

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years PQE in Family Law (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Proven experience managing a varied family law caseload
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable working in a paperless environment

• Experience with Leap case management system
• Interest in business development and client relationship building
• Ambition to progress within a supportive firm structure

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 4 days working from home as standard
• 1 day office attendance (with flexibility to reduce to once every 2 weeks once settled)
• Flexitime available after successful probation period
• Part-time options considered (3-4 days per week)
• Established remote working culture since 2019—this is permanent, not temporary

• Mentored case exposure—when assigned cases outside your comfort zone, you'll be paired with an experienced colleague to support your development rather than being removed from the matter
• Sales and Business Development training provided to help grow your client portfolio
• Clear career progression pathway with genuine growth opportunities
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and development

• Fully paperless practice using Leap case management system
• Modern technology infrastructure supporting remote working
• Efficient systems allowing you to work effectively from anywhere

• This role is based in Chester, with additional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and London

Why Join Our Client?

Ready to Take the Next Step?