Commercial Property Solicitor (4–5+ PQE)

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: c.£55,000 – £65,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an ambitious Commercial Property Solicitor looking to elevate your career within a thriving regional practice? Our client—a highly respected law firm in Chelmsford—is seeking a talented fee earner (4–5+ years PQE) to join their successful property department. Offering direct client contact, high-value transaction exposure, and a structured route for career advancement, this opportunity provides an ideal platform to build a strong regional profile.

The Opportunity

In this dynamic role, you will handle a varied, experience-appropriate caseload while assisting senior partners on landmark commercial property matters. Managing transactions independently from instruction to post-completion, you will conduct detailed title reviews, draft bespoke contracts, report on searches, and deliver pragmatic, business-focused advice to a diverse regional and corporate client base. Backed by modern practice infrastructure and ongoing training, you will benefit from transparent promotion criteria designed to support your progression to Senior Associate level and beyond.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 4–5+ years PQE in UK commercial property practice.

• Technical Mastery: Proven expertise in independently managing commercial acquisitions, disposals, lease drafting and negotiation, title reviews, search reporting, and property due diligence.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation, drafting, and problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic approach to aligning legal strategy with client business objectives.

• Client Engagement: Excellent communication skills with the confidence to build trusted, long-term relationships with clients, lenders, and regional stakeholders.

Package & Benefits

• Base Salary & Bonus: £55,000 – £65,000+ per annum (dependent on experience), plus a discretionary performance-related bonus scheme.

• Health & Wellbeing: Permanent Health Insurance (PHI), robust wellness support, and mental health resources.

• Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance plus Bank Holidays and your birthday off.

• Work-Life Balance: Supported hybrid working model (typically 2–3 days in the Chelmsford office) in modern, well-connected premises.

• Progression & Culture: Structured development plan with transparent promotion criteria, fully funded CPD, and an inclusive, collaborative team environment.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, 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.

The Role: What you’ll be doing

Client portfolio ownership (compliance + delivery)

• Preparation and filing of year-end accounts and corporation tax computations/returns for limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and sole traders
• Preparation and filing of Self Assessment and personal tax computations/returns
• Preparation and filing of Capital Gains Tax computations
• Support with R&D tax claims within accounts and tax returns (where applicable)
• Completing compliance work within 8–10 weeks after the period end, in line with internal target dates
• Providing practical tax planning to reduce the burden of taxation for businesses and owners
• Completing the initial review of year-end assignments and tax work prior to manager/Director review

Outsourcing & advisory (value-add work)

• Managing a portfolio for bookkeeping, VAT and management accounts
• Reviewing bookkeeping, VAT returns and management accounts for accuracy prior to manager review
• Ensuring client records are received on time and returned promptly once work is completed
• Supporting payroll services across the wider client base (as needed)
• Preparation, review and filing of P11D returns
• Producing management information and performance analysis within 10–20 working days after period end
• Supporting clients to improve profitability and efficiency through better controls and systems
• Assisting with cashflow management and use of appropriate cloud software/apps
• Preparing budgets, forecasts and integrated projections (P&L, balance sheet, cashflow)
• Preparing break-even analysis, business plans, and supporting finance-raising discussions
• Conducting business valuations (where required)

People, process and practice development

• Supporting Directors/Associate Directors/Senior Client Managers with portfolio delivery
• Coaching and developing junior team members (Client Accountants/Senior Client Accountants/trainees)
• Training colleagues and clients on cloud accounting systems and apps
• Helping drive the practice’s adoption and development of cloud accounting and supporting applications
• Supporting billing processes and keeping portfolio admin accurate and up to date

What we’re looking for (requirements)

Essential

• 5+ years’ UK accountancy practice experience (this role is not suited to industry-only backgrounds)
• Strong hands-on experience preparing year-end accounts and UK tax returns across a mixed client base
• Confident managing deadlines and client communication across your own portfolio
• Working knowledge of Xero and cloud accounting workflows
• Experience using UK compliance software such as TaxCalc (or similar)

Ideal

• AAT and/or ACCA qualified, part-qualified, or QBE
• Experience reviewing work prepared by others and supporting junior staff development
• Comfortable producing and explaining management accounts and performance insights to clients

Salary, benefits and working arrangements

• Salary: £38,000–£48,000 (dependent on experience and portfolio responsibility)
• Rewards incentive scheme: % bonus linked to your involvement in sourcing/signing new business (based on a percentage of first-year fees)
• Hybrid working
• Flexi-time working
• 25 days’ holiday (includes 3 days at Christmas/New Year when the office is closed)
• Extra day’s leave for your birthday
• Additional annual leave after 3 years’ service (up to 30 days maximum)
• Dress Down Friday + smart business casual dress code
• Regular team socials
• Private medical insurance after 2 years’ service
• Clear scope to grow into broader advisory, portfolio leadership and mentoring responsibility as the client base expands

Interested? Apply confidentially

Insolvency & Restructuring Paralegal

Location: Manchester

Salary: £24,000 to £30,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Paralegal level (insolvency experience advantageous but not essential)

If you’re a paralegal who enjoys fast-paced, problem-solving work and wants exposure to both corporate and personal insolvency, this is a great opportunity to join a growing Restructuring & Insolvency team in Manchester.

Our client is looking for a Paralegal to support fee earners across a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, working with Insolvency Practitioners, Directors, Lenders, Creditors and Shareholders.

You’ll support the team with day-to-day file handling and case progression, helping to run matters from initial instructions through to conclusion. It’s a role that suits someone organised, proactive, and comfortable working to deadlines.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting with file and case handling across a range of insolvency matters

• Helping to run and progress cases from initial instructions to conclusion

• Providing administrative and legal support to fee earners across the wider team (including colleagues based in other office locations)

• Managing tasks and deadlines, keeping matters moving and files up to date

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Confident IT skills, including MS Office

• Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines

• Strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills

• Proactive approach and the ability to solve problems effectively

• Good commercial awareness

• Previous legal work experience within insolvency and restructuring is advantageous but not essential

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £24,000 to £30,000 plus bonus and benefits

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Manchester office

• Enhanced pension scheme with employer matched contributions up to 6%

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service)

• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ annual leave

• Life assurance cover of 4x basic salary, with the option to purchase additional cover

• A range of health and wellbeing benefits

• Flexible benefits programme to tailor your package

• A supportive environment with a clear focus on development, wellbeing and inclusion

Working Arrangements

Permanent, full-time role. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week from the Manchester office.

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

Solicitor (Construction)

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £50,000 to £72,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 0 to 4 years’ PQE

If you’re a construction solicitor who wants a genuinely broad mix of contentious and non-contentious work, this is a great chance to join a busy Birmingham team with the backing of a Top 100 firm and clear support around development.

Our client is looking for a qualified Solicitor (0 to 4 years’ PQE) to support partners and fee earners across a wide range of construction and engineering matters. You’ll work with a varied client base and get exposure to real projects and disputes, not just narrow process work.

This role offers a strong spread of advisory and disputes work, with the chance to build experience across multiple sectors including commercial and industrial development, infrastructure, housebuilding, healthcare, education, retail, leisure and the public sector.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising clients on construction and engineering issues, working with employers, contractors, sub-contractors, construction professionals, financial institutions and other stakeholders

• Handling a range of advisory and contentious matters including negotiations, dispute avoidance, adjudications, court and arbitration proceedings, mediations and other forms of ADR

• Drafting, reviewing, reporting on and negotiating a range of project documentation, including:

• Construction and engineering contracts

• Professional appointments

• Warranties

• Bonds and guarantees

• Other project documentation

• Attending meetings and negotiations with clients and third parties

• Researching new areas of law and case law to ensure advice and process remains accurate

• Supporting business development through networking, marketing and building client relationships

• Supervising and delegating work to trainees and paralegals (where appropriate to seniority)

• Contributing to CPD and ongoing learning

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales)

• 0 to 4 years’ PQE within construction (or closely related) work, advising on a broad range of matters

• Strong written and verbal communication, with a clear and logical approach

• Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to prioritise effectively

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team

• Good IT skills and effective file management

• Proactive approach and strong attention to detail

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £50,000 to £72,000 plus bonus and benefits

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Birmingham office

• Enhanced pension scheme with employer matched contributions up to 6%

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service)

• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ annual leave

• Life assurance cover of 4x basic salary, with the option to purchase additional cover

• A range of health and wellbeing benefits

• Flexible benefits programme to tailor your package

• A supportive environment with a clear focus on development, wellbeing and inclusion

Working Arrangements

Permanent, full-time role. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week from the Birmingham office.

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

Corporate Commercial Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working, 1 day per week in the office)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 plus bonus (up to 15%)

Experience: 5 years’ PQE (Corporate / Corporate Commercial)

Our client is looking to recruit a Corporate Commercial Solicitor (5 years’ PQE) to join its Manchester team.

This is a great opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys high quality, business-focused work and wants genuine exposure to complex matters within a global platform, while still benefiting from a close-knit, supportive team.

The Role

Depending on your background, you will support and run a broad corporate and commercial workload which may include:

• Advising owner-managed businesses, investors and senior stakeholders on corporate and commercial matters

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of commercial agreements

• Supporting corporate transactions and wider business advisory work

• Working closely with colleagues across practice areas to deliver joined-up advice

• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

• Around 5 years’ PQE in corporate and/or corporate commercial work

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Commercial, pragmatic approach and confidence advising clients

• Ability to manage matters efficiently and communicate clearly with colleagues and clients

• Interest in building long-term client relationships

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £75,000 to £95,000

• Annual bonus opportunity (up to 15% of annual salary, based on personal and firm performance)

• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension matched up to 5%

• Private health insurance (BUPA)

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

• State of the art office in Manchester City Centre

• Exposure to very high quality cases as part of a global firm

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent role

• Manchester

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

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.

Insolvency Solicitor 

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working, 1 day per week in the office)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 plus bonus (up to 15%)

Experience: 5 years’ PQE (contentious and non-contentious)

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced litigation solicitor into its Manchester team, with a strong focus on insolvency and restructuring matters.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys technically interesting work, wants exposure to high quality cases through a global platform, and is confident handling both contentious and non-contentious insolvency work.

The Role

You will support and run a varied workload, which is expected to include:

• Contentious insolvency and wider disputes arising from financial distress

• Non-contentious insolvency and restructuring advisory work

• Advising on strategy, risk and settlement options, with a commercial and pragmatic approach

• Drafting clear, persuasive pleadings, witness evidence, applications and correspondence where required

• Working closely with colleagues across practice areas to understand the underlying transactions and deliver joined-up advice

• Attending mediations, hearings and other dispute resolution forums as required

• Contributing to business development, marketing and client relationship activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

• Around 5 years’ PQE with demonstrable insolvency and restructuring experience

• Comfortable handling both contentious and non-contentious matters

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Commercial approach and confidence advising clients

• Ability to manage deadlines in a busy environment

• Collaborative mindset and interest in building long-term client relationships

Desirable:

• Experience of ADR (including negotiation and mediation)

• Exposure to cross-border elements and multi-party matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £75,000 to £95,000

• Annual bonus opportunity (up to 15% of annual salary, based on personal and firm performance)

• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension matched up to 5%

• Private health insurance (BUPA)

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

• State of the art office in Manchester City Centre

• Exposure to very high quality cases as part of a global firm

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent role

• Manchester

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

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.

Corporate Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £100,000 to £150,000 (plus bonus and benefits, dependent on experience and following)

Experience: Partner level, 9+ PQE

Our client is looking to appoint a Corporate Partner to join its Leeds-based Corporate team.

This is a senior opportunity for an ambitious corporate lawyer who wants to help shape the future direction of a growing department, with the backing of well-resourced internal support teams.

You will advise on a broad range of corporate matters, with a strong focus on owner-managed businesses and mid-market transactions.

The work will include:

• Acquisitions and disposals of owner-managed businesses

• Sales to VC and PE-backed buyers

• Shareholder agreements and advising business owners

• Group reorganisations

• MBOs and joint venture agreements

You will also play an active role in business development, building on an existing network and developing new relationships.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Admission to the Solicitors Roll

• Partner level corporate experience with 9+ PQE

• Strong corporate transactional background gained within a busy corporate team

• Experience advising on acquisitions and disposals, shareholder agreements and business owner advisory work

• Confidence advising on group reorganisations, MBOs and joint ventures

• A demonstrable track record of business development and the ability to generate work from existing clients and new prospects

• A personable, creative and supportive approach, with the ability to lead by example

What’s On Offer

• 30 days holiday plus your birthday off

• 7 hours wellbeing time per year (bookable in 1-hour slots)

• Health Cash Plan (including 24-hour advice line and counselling access)

• Group life assurance

• Pension contribution (with salary exchange option)

• Perkbox retail discounts and wellbeing hub

• Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year

• Option to carry up to 3 days holiday into the next holiday year

• Structured induction, ongoing in-house training and external training opportunities

• Social events including an annual Christmas party and summer BBQ

• Free refreshments (tea, coffee and weekly fresh fruit)

• Staff legal benefits including:

• Residential conveyancing on your sole or main residence at no cost (excluding disbursements)

• Standard will preparation for you (or your spouse) at no charge (excluding IHT planning)

• Discounted legal services for you and your immediate family

• Long service awards at key milestones

Working Arrangements

• Full-time: 09:00 to 17:30, 5 days per week

• Leeds office base, with hybrid working available on request (up to 2 days from home per week) once established in role

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.

Insolvency Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £50,000 to £80,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5 PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a talented and ambitious Insolvency Solicitor to join its Leeds team.

This is a great opportunity for a solicitor 5 years’ PQE who wants a broad role, strong support, and the chance to develop within a well-resourced firm.

You will undertake fee earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the department, while supporting the wider development of the firm in line with its business plan.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing client work allocated by the Head of Department or Partners in line with the firm’s procedures and quality standards

• Progressing matters expeditiously and keeping clients regularly informed on progress and costs

• Delivering high standards of client care in a professional and approachable manner

• Maintaining confidentiality and security of firm and client documentation and information

• Achieving agreed billing and time recording targets

• Managing credit control on your matters in liaison with the Accounts team

• Complying with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and professional conduct requirements

• Supporting business development, marketing and the ongoing development of the department

• Maintaining clear communication with colleagues and building effective working relationships externally

• Supervising, supporting and developing immediate support staff (where appropriate)

• Taking responsibility for your own development and supporting training activity where required

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Admission to the Solicitors Roll

• Experience level approx  5 years’ PQE (or equivalent)

• Strong organisation skills and attention to detail

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• A pleasant but confident manner, with tact and resilience when dealing with clients and colleagues

• Ability to mentor, support and encourage other team members

What’s On Offer

• 25 days holiday plus your birthday off

• 7 hours wellbeing time per year (bookable in 1-hour slots)

• Health Cash Plan (including 24-hour advice line and counselling access)

• Group life assurance

• Pension contribution (with salary exchange option)

• Yulife

• Perkbox retail discounts and wellbeing hub

• Ability to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year

• Option to carry up to 3 days holiday into the next holiday year

• Structured induction, ongoing in-house training and external training opportunities

• Social events including an annual Christmas party and summer BBQ

• Free refreshments (tea, coffee and weekly fresh fruit)

• Staff legal benefits including:

• Residential conveyancing on your sole or main residence at no cost (excluding disbursements)

• Standard will preparation for you (or your spouse) at no charge (excluding IHT planning)

• Discounted legal services for you and your immediate family

• Long service awards at key milestones

Working Arrangements

• Full-time: 09:00 to 17:30, 5 days per week

• Hybrid working available once probation is passed

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.

Commercial Property Solicitor / Legal Executive

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £45,000 to £70,000

Experience: Ideally 5 years’ PQE (applications from NQ level considered with relevant experience)

Our client is looking to appoint a Commercial Property Solicitor or Legal Executive into its established Sheffield team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys running a varied caseload, building long-term client relationships, and working in a supportive, experienced department with a strong local and regional reputation.

The Role You will handle a broad range of commercial property matters, with work likely to include:

• Sales and purchases of commercial property

• Landlord and tenant matters, including leases, renewals and general advisory work

• Lettings and leasing

• Property finance matters

• Supporting on commercial and residential property transactions where required

You will be trusted to manage matters with an appropriate level of supervision for your experience, and to provide clear, pragmatic advice aligned to client objectives.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Chartered Legal Executive

• Experience handling commercial property matters, including landlord and tenant work

• Strong technical ability with a practical, commercial approach

• Excellent client care and communication skills

• Strong organisation and the ability to manage a busy caseload

Desirable

• Around 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent experience), although strong candidates outside this level will be considered

• Experience of property finance and a broader transactional mix

• A collaborative approach and genuine interest in being part of a team

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £45,000 to £70,000 (depending on experience)

• Strong long-term progression and development support

• Supportive, friendly team environment with experienced colleagues

• A varied caseload with a mix of local and national clients

• A firm culture that values inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement

Location & Working Arrangements

Sheffield. Full-time preferred.

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.

Residential Conveyancing Paralegal

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £24,000 to £30,000

Experience: Minimum 1 year in a similar residential conveyancing role

Our client is looking to appoint a Residential Conveyancing Paralegal to join a supportive and successful Residential Conveyancing team.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being at the heart of a transaction, takes pride in excellent client care, and wants to build long-term experience in a busy property department with clear training and progression.

The Role

The overall purpose of the position is to assist and support fee earners on a varied caseload of residential property transactions.

Typical responsibilities will include:

• Assisting fee earners on a busy caseload of residential conveyancing matters

• Dealing with client enquiries, providing updates, and taking instructions

• Managing and progressing transactions under supervision

• Preparing correspondence, forms and documents in line with instructions

• Supporting exchange of contracts and completion processes

• Preparing financial statements

• SDLT submissions

• Preparing certificates of title for advance funds

• Proactively liaising with clients and third parties including estate agents, financial advisers, mortgage lenders and other solicitors

What We’re Looking For

• At least 1 year’s experience in a similar residential conveyancing role

• A good understanding of residential conveyancing procedures and the transaction process

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with exemplary client care

• Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing deadlines

• A proactive, team-focused approach

What’s On Offer

• Flexible and hybrid working

• Enhanced pension contributions

• Family-orientated policies

• Enhanced company sick pay

• Death in service benefit

• Confidential advice and support, plus wellbeing initiatives

• Discounted memberships

• Discounted legal fees

• Supportive, inclusive working environment with approachable teams and experienced colleagues

• Commitment to continuous development and progression, including training and career pathways

• Opportunities to get involved in working groups focused on communication and wellbeing

• Access to external networks and professional groups, plus internal and external events to build your network

• Environmentally conscious approach, including a paperless way of 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.