Senior Associate – Legal Services & Operations

Location: London

Salary: £75,000 – £87,000 + Bonus + Benefits

Are you an experienced Senior Litigator or Legal Operations Specialist looking to pivot beyond traditional fee-earning into a high-impact, business-critical leadership role? Our client—a leading, modern legal services organisation—is seeking an ambitious Senior Associate to oversee the delivery, operational efficiency, and performance of its legal services platform in London. This position provides an exceptional platform for a senior professional to exercise genuine strategic influence while managing multi-disciplinary legal teams at scale.

The Opportunity

Combining legal oversight, team leadership, and operational management, this role is designed for a strategic thinker who wants a seat at the table in driving process optimization and service excellence. Working closely with executive leadership, you will supervise end-to-end legal service delivery across litigation, advocacy, and support functions. Backed by cutting-edge legal technology and a modern delivery model, you will drive operational efficiency, maintain strict compliance frameworks under the Legal Services Act, and oversee complex, high-value matters without the traditional billable hours pressure.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Background: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 6+ years PQE, possessing a strong foundation in civil litigation (experience in volume, insurance, or defendant litigation is highly advantageous).

• Leadership & Operations: Proven track record in team supervision, resourcing, performance management, and process improvement within a scaled legal delivery or legal operations environment.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Comprehensive understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks under the Legal Services Act, including matter auditing and quality control.

• Commercial Strategy: Commercially minded and process-driven, with the ability to balance risk, efficiency, and client satisfaction while contributing to high-level strategic decision-making.

Package & Benefits

• Compensation: £75,000 – £87,000 base salary dependent on experience, plus a competitive performance-related bonus scheme.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in operational leadership, business development initiatives, and platform expansion.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible working arrangements supported by modern legal tech and a forward-thinking culture.

• Retirement & Perks: Comprehensive pension scheme, funded ongoing professional development, generous annual leave allowance, and private healthcare options.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

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

Family Solicitor | Legal 500 Practice

Location: London

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you a Family Solicitor looking to join a Legal 500-ranked team recognised for combining technical excellence with outstanding client satisfaction? Our client—a top-tier, full-service London law firm servicing national and international clients—is seeking an ambitious Family Solicitor to handle a high-quality, varied caseload. Working alongside leading practitioners, including an active sitting Family Court Judge, this opportunity offers high-level mentoring, complex case exposure, and genuine career progression within a progressive, empathetic practice.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning role, you will join a highly regarded family team praised in The Legal 500 UK as "truly exceptional." Managing your own caseload from instruction through to conclusion, you will advise private individuals on complex financial disputes, divorce, private Children Act matters, and domestic abuse cases, alongside high-value cross-border family issues. You will benefit from an office-focused, collaborative environment alongside experienced solicitors, barristers, and paralegals where knowledge-sharing and client care take priority.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 2+ years PQE specialising in private family law (UK practice experience essential).

• Technical Expertise: Proven experience across financial remedies, divorce/separation, child contact and residence, domestic abuse, and international or cross-border family law.

• Client Care & Advocacy: Strong negotiation and court advocacy skills, combined with exceptional written communication and the emotional intelligence needed to guide clients through complex disputes.

• Caseload Management: Ability to manage a busy, deadline-driven caseload efficiently while maintaining the firm's exceptionally high standards of client care and regulatory compliance.

Package & Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salary of £50,000 – £60,000 (commensurate with experience).

• Mentorship & Progression: Direct exposure to leading family law specialists and a sitting Family Court Judge, offering structured pathways for professional growth.

• Work Environment: Modern, supportive, and highly collaborative office setup across North and Central London.

• Firm Reputation: Join one of only ten London firms recognized for outstanding client satisfaction in family law.

How to Apply

To discuss this position in complete confidence, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

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

Employment Law Partner

Location: London City

Salary: £120,000 – £160,000 + Equity / Profit Share & Benefits

Are you an established Employment Law Partner or senior specialist seeking the autonomy, resources, and leadership platform to shape a growing practice in London City? Driven by sustained strategic expansion, our client—a highly regarded boutique employment law practice—is seeking an ambitious Employment Law Partner to help lead, mentor, and expand their specialist team. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to handle complex, high-value contentious and advisory matters within a collaborative environment that provides a clear, direct pathway to full equity partnership.

The Opportunity

In this senior leadership position, you will take a central role in driving the strategic direction of the employment department while managing a high-quality caseload. Advising board-level executives, corporate entities, and institutional clients, you will lead on sophisticated High Court and Tribunal litigation, workplace investigations, and strategic corporate restructurings. Backed by dedicated fee earners and modern practice resources, you will enjoy genuine operational autonomy to build your client portfolio, direct business development, and mentor the next generation of legal talent.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 8+ years PQE specializing in UK employment law (currently operating at Partner, Fixed Share Partner, or Senior Legal Director level).

• Technical Mastery: Comprehensive expertise in complex Employment Tribunal and EAT litigation (whistleblowing, discrimination, equal pay), High Court restrictive covenant disputes/injunctions, TUPE, collective consultation, and senior executive exits.

• Practice & Business Development: Proven track record of business development, network building, and client relationship management, with the drive to expand practice market share (Tribunal advocacy experience is advantageous).

• Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop junior fee earners while fostering a high-performing, people-first team culture.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary & Equity: £120,000 – £160,000 (commensurate with track record and portfolio) with a clear, supported route to equity partnership and profit share.

• Health & Wellbeing: Private healthcare, death-in-service benefit, paid sick leave, and an employee assistance programme.

• Time Off & Balance: 26 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, supported by flexible and hybrid working models in a central London City office.

• Retirement & Perks: Enhanced pension scheme, dedicated business development funding, and regular firm social and networking events.

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.

Employment Law Solicitor (1–4 PQE)

Location: London City

Salary: £58,000 – £75,000 + Benefits

Are you a dedicated Employment Law Solicitor looking to develop your career within a specialist, dynamic practice in the heart of London City? Driven by continued growth, our client—a highly regarded boutique employment law practice—is seeking an ambitious solicitor (1–4 PQE) to join their expert team. This role offers an outstanding platform to handle high-quality contentious and non-contentious matters alongside recognized leaders in the field.

The Opportunity

In this position, you will work directly with a sophisticated client base spanning corporate employers, senior executives, and business owners across London and the UK. Managing an engaging and varied caseload, you will advise on complex Employment Tribunal proceedings, strategic workforce reorganisations, exit negotiations, and day-to-day HR compliance. Backed by structured mentorship, modern legal tech, and a culture that values autonomy and work-life balance, this position provides a clear trajectory for long-term career progression within specialist practice.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Background: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 1–4 years PQE specializing in employment law within a UK practice environment.

• Technical Breadth: Strong background handling both contentious matters (Employment Tribunal claims, discrimination, unfair dismissal) and non-contentious advisory work (contracts, handbooks, redundancy, settlement agreements, TUPE, and senior executive exits).

• Commercial & Client Focus: Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, strong commercial awareness, and a client-focused approach to delivering pragmatic, risk-managed advice.

• Practice Contribution: Enthusiastic approach to building client relationships, participating in practice marketing initiatives, and staying current with evolving UK employment legislation.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £58,000 – £75,000 dependent on experience and PQE level (aligned with London City market benchmarks).

• Bonus & Pension: Competitive performance-related bonus scheme and firm pension contribution.

• Time Off & Balance: Generous annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays, supported by flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

• Progression & Culture: Dedicated pathways for professional development, funded ongoing CPD, and a collaborative, supportive 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.

Dispute Resolution Solicitor (3–5 PQE)

Location: London City

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 + Benefits

Are you an ambitious litigation solicitor looking to step into a growing, forward-thinking London City practice? Our client is an established City law firm seeking a talented Dispute Resolution Solicitor (3–5 PQE) to join their expanding team. Offering direct exposure to high-quality civil and commercial disputes, this role provides an exceptional platform for an associate who wants hands-on case autonomy, sophisticated work, and a transparent pathway for long-term career progression.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will take ownership of a diverse, high-value litigation caseload while working alongside respected partners across the practice. Representing business owners, corporate entities, and private clients, you will deliver strategic advice through negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and High Court / County Court proceedings. Supported by a collaborative working culture and modern practice management systems, this position offers the ideal environment to sharpen your technical expertise, build your market profile, and mentor junior associates.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Background: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 3–5 years PQE in dispute resolution or civil/commercial litigation within UK practice.

• Technical Breadth: Proven experience managing contract disputes, shareholder/partnership conflicts, property litigation, debt recovery, and broader civil claims. Experience in contested probate or property disputes is highly desirable.

• Procedural Proficiency: Strong grasp of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), court protocols, ADR, mediation, and arbitration processes, backed by meticulous drafting skills.

• Commercial & Client Focus: Confident advocate with excellent negotiation skills, a pragmatic approach to dispute avoidance, and a proactive attitude toward regional networking and business development.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary & Bonus: £60,000 – £70,000 dependent on experience level, plus a discretionary performance bonus.

• Health & Protection: Private healthcare, death in service benefit, paid sick leave, and company pension scheme.

• Time Off & Balance: 26 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, supported by flexible working options in a central London City location.

• Progression & Culture: Defined development plans for career advancement, ongoing funded CPD, and a supportive, results-driven 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.

Solicitor / Senior Associate – Commercial Property (5+ PQE)

Location: Milton Keynes Area

Salary: £60,000 – £85,000 + Benefits

Are you an ambitious Property Solicitor or Senior Associate seeking high-value transactions, direct client engagement, and a transparent route to senior leadership? Our client is a prestigious, fast-growing practice in the Milton Keynes area, looking for a talented 5+ PQE commercial property specialist to join their highly regarded team. Handling a sophisticated caseload for property developers, HNW investors, and corporate businesses, this role offers the perfect balance of technical challenge, high-autonomy practice, and supportive firm culture.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position, you will manage an independent commercial property portfolio while collaborating on complex, large-scale regional and national transactions. Advising a diverse client base across development, retail, hospitality, and agriculture, you will serve as a trusted commercial advisor on complex land assembly, infrastructure projects, and asset management. Supported by modern legal tech and experienced partners, this opportunity is ideal for an ambitious senior associate looking for genuine progression toward partner-level leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Background: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 5+ years PQE in UK commercial property practice.

• Technical Capabilities: Proven track record in freehold/leasehold acquisitions and disposals, landlord & tenant matters (1954 Act renewals, lease negotiation), development agreements, infrastructure, and property-related construction documentation.

• Client & Commercial Focus: Strong business acumen, confident client-facing manner, and a track record of running complex transactions efficiently.

• Team Leadership: Ability to work collaboratively on high-value team transactions while mentoring junior fee earners within the practice.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £60,000 – £85,000 dependent on experience level and proven track record.

• Health & Protection: Private medical insurance, death in service benefit, and a company pension with 4% employer contribution.

• Time Off & Balance: 26 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, alongside flexible and hybrid working options.

• Perks & Progression: Discounted legal services (conveyancing, wills, trusts), family membership discounts, funded ongoing CPD, and clear pathways to Partnership.

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 (5+ PQE)

Location: Milton Keynes Area

Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + Benefits

Are you an experienced Private Client Solicitor looking to elevate your career with a well-established, highly regarded firm in the Milton Keynes region? Our client is a progressive, client-focused practice seeking a talented senior fee earner to join their flourishing Private Client team. Offering high-quality work, exposure to high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, and a clear path for professional advancement, this is an outstanding platform for a practitioner who thrives in a collaborative, modern environment.

The Opportunity

In this key role, you will manage a varied, technical private client caseload covering estate planning, complex trusts, probate, and tax strategy. Working alongside respected partners, you will serve as a trusted advisor to families, business owners, and HNW individuals across the region. With hands-on file autonomy, modern case management systems, and firm-wide support for continued learning (including STEP qualification funding), this role balances professional freedom with a structured route toward long-term leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Background: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with 5+ years PQE in UK private practice.

• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive handling of complex wills, LPAs, probate, estate administration, and trust creation/administration.

• Tax & Estate Planning: Strong knowledge of Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and wealth protection strategies for HNW estates. STEP qualification is desirable but not essential.

• Client Care & Practice Development: Outstanding communication skills, an empathetic client-facing manner, and a proactive approach to maintaining local referrer networks.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: £55,000 – £75,000+ dependent on experience level and proven track record.

• Health & Balance: Private medical insurance alongside supportive hybrid and flexible working options.

• Time Off & Retirement: 26 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, company pension scheme, and a culture that actively promotes work-life balance.

• Progression & Culture: Transparent pathways for career advancement, ongoing funded training, and a warm, inclusive 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.

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.