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

Dispute Resolution Solicitor / Litigator

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne (hybrid working)

Salary: £50,000 to £65,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 4 to 7+ years PQE (strong candidates with slightly less experience considered)

Our client is looking to appoint a skilled and motivated Dispute Resolution Solicitor / Litigator to join a busy and growing team. You will manage your own varied caseload, working with a solid mix of corporate and individual clients, with genuine scope to develop your practice and progress longer-term.

This is a great role for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in quality, and wants to be part of a team that values collaboration and strong client relationships.

The Work

You will run a broad caseload which is likely to include:

• Contractual disputes

• Professional negligence matters

• Neighbour and boundary disputes

• Debt recovery and insolvency matters

• Contentious probate (including challenges to the validity of a Will and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975)

• Property litigation (possession and dilapidation claims, residential and commercial)

• Employment matters (including Employment Tribunal claims, settlement agreements, and non-contentious advisory work)

• Employer’s Liability (EL) and Public Liability (PL) claims

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor with 4 to 7+ years PQE in dispute resolution / litigation (strong candidates with slightly less experience may be considered)

• Confidence managing your own files and prioritising a varied workload

• Strong client-handling skills and a practical, solutions-led approach

• A team player who enjoys supporting colleagues and contributing to wider business development

Please note: candidates with a purely process-driven PI or RTA litigation background are not sought for this position.

What’s On Offer

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Holiday loyalty scheme and the ability to purchase additional holidays

• Contributory pension scheme (including salary sacrifice option)

• Death in service cover

• Enhanced sick pay

• PayCare scheme (cashback on everyday healthcare, plus wellbeing support including 24-hour GP access and confidential counselling)

• Annual salary review and discretionary bonus scheme (plus additional rewards where targets are achieved)

• Flexible and hybrid working

• Generous lunch break (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Paid professional memberships and subscription fees (where required)

• Laptop and mobile phone provided (where required)

• Career progression structure, plus support for further and higher education (where appropriate)

• Team and culture perks including social events, charity fundraising, and firm-wide get-togethers

• Discounted conveyancing fees for the purchase and sale of your own home

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.

Childcare Law Solicitor

Location: Ashton-under-Lyme

Career Level: Senior Solicitor 5+ PQE

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 + Bonus

Are you an experienced childcare law solicitor looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Childcare Law Solicitor at 5+ PQE level to join their expanding Childcare Team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality childcare law matters, conducting your own caseload and undertaking advocacy in care proceedings. You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As a Childcare Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of childcare law matters, representing local authorities, parents, or children in care proceedings. This role focuses exclusively on childcare law, with no private family law work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on complex and rewarding childcare matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and expertise in this specialist area.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting your own caseload in childcare law matters from instruction through to conclusion
• Representing clients in care proceedings, including public law children cases
• Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court at all levels
• Advising on care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders
• Handling complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases and complex family dynamics
• Attending court hearings, case management hearings, and final hearings
• Preparing court bundles, witness statements, and legal submissions
• Liaising with clients, local authorities, children's guardians, and expert witnesses
• Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the childcare team
• Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently
• Contributing to the continued success and development of the childcare practice

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years' PQE experience in childcare law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Proven experience running your own caseload in childcare law matters
• Experience undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
• The Law Society's Children Law Panel accreditation
• A Children's Guardian following
• Strong technical knowledge of childcare law, the Children Act 1989, and care proceedings
• Excellent advocacy skills and confidence in court
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
• Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
• Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area

Highly Desirable:

• Experience representing multiple client types (local authorities, parents, or children)
• Experience with complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases
• Knowledge of adoption law and placement proceedings
• Supervisory or mentoring experience
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment

Key Attributes:

• Experienced and dedicated with a passion for childcare law
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
• Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Loyalty holiday scheme
• Ability to buy additional holidays
• Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service scheme
• Paycare scheme
• Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
• Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
• Specialist childcare law practice with no private family law work
• Modern, well-equipped offices in Ashton-under-lyme
• Flexible working arrangements available

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including childcare law, family law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.

The Childcare Team specialises exclusively in childcare law matters, handling care proceedings, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders. The team represents local authorities, parents, and children in complex and sensitive care proceedings, providing expert legal advice and advocacy in the Family Court.

The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service. The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated childcare law practitioners.

Location

This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyme office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced childcare law solicitor with Children Law Panel accreditation and a Children's Guardian following, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Family Law Solicitor

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

Career Level: Solicitor/FCILEX 1-5 PQE

Salary: £35,000 - £55,000 + Bonus

Join a Dedicated Family Law Team

Are you an experienced family law solicitor or FCILEX looking for an exciting opportunity to join a well-established team? Our client, a highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Family Law Solicitor or FCILEX at 1-5 PQE level to join their expanding Family Law Team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a diverse caseload of private family law matters, including divorce, financial remedy disputes, and cohabitation matters. You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As a Family Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of private family law matters, handling divorce, financial remedy disputes, civil partnership disputes, and advising on the rights of unmarried and cohabitating couples. This role focuses exclusively on private family law, with no child law or childcare work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on varied and rewarding family law matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and building strong client relationships.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting your own caseload in private family law matters, subject to appropriate supervision
• Handling divorce proceedings, financial remedy disputes, and civil partnership matters
• Advising unmarried and cohabitating couples on their legal rights and remedies
• Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
• Assisting with new enquiries received by the department
• Assisting with the department's legal surgery sessions (free client drop-in sessions)
• Undertaking fee-earning work on client matters
• Undertaking administrative tasks on client matters
• Dealing with applications for funding from the Legal Aid scheme
• Preparing court bundles, witness statements, financial statements (Form E), and legal submissions
• Attending court hearings, First Appointments, Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, and final hearings
• Liaising with clients, barristers, financial experts, and other professionals
• Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
• Assisting with marketing efforts for the department, including networking with local external agencies that refer work to the department
• Assisting with external advice sessions that the team provides to local organisations
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the family law team
• Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 1-5 years' PQE experience in family law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales or FCILEX
• Proven experience running your own caseload in private family law matters
• Experience in divorce, financial remedy disputes, and civil partnership matters
• Advocacy experience in the Family Court
• Strong technical knowledge of family law, the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and financial remedy proceedings
• Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
• Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
• Willingness to assist with legal surgery sessions and new enquiries rota
• Willingness to assist with external advice sessions provided to local organisations
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area

Highly Desirable:

• Experience advising unmarried and cohabitating couples on their legal rights
• Knowledge of Legal Aid funding and publicly funded family law work
• Experience with complex financial remedy cases
• Experience with community engagement and legal advice sessions
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment

Key Attributes:

• Experienced and dedicated with a passion for family law
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
• Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments
• Enthusiastic about community engagement and providing access to justice

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £35,000 - £55,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Loyalty holiday scheme
• Ability to purchase additional holidays
• Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service scheme
• Paycare scheme
• Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
• Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
• Specialist private family law practice with no child law or childcare work
• Opportunity to participate in legal surgery sessions and community advice work
• Modern, well-equipped offices Ashton-under-Lyne
• Flexible working arrangements available

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including family law, childcare law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.

The Family Law Team specialises in private family law matters, handling divorce, financial remedy disputes, civil partnership matters, and advising unmarried and cohabitating couples. The team is committed to providing accessible legal services and regularly participates in legal surgery sessions and external advice sessions with local organisations.

The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service. The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated family law practitioners.

Location

This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyne office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced family law solicitor or FCILEX with advocacy experience and a passion for helping clients through difficult times, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Conveyancing Assistant

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £22,000 to £28,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 1+ years’ conveyancing support experience (or strong admin experience in a legal setting)

Our client is looking to appoint a Conveyancing Assistant to support a busy residential property team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys keeping transactions moving, takes pride in accurate administration, and delivers excellent client care. You’ll work closely with fee earners and colleagues across the team, supporting matters from instruction through to completion and post-completion.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting fee earners on a varied residential conveyancing caseload (sales, purchases and related matters)

• Opening new files, onboarding clients and supporting ID and AML checks

• Preparing and issuing client care paperwork and standard correspondence

• Assisting with contract packs and managing incoming and outgoing documentation

• Requesting and chasing searches, and helping to keep checklists up to date

• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders and other solicitors to progress matters efficiently

• Assisting with completions, including preparing completion statements and coordinating key dates

• Supporting post-completion tasks, including SDLT submissions and Land Registry applications (where appropriate)

• Keeping the case management system and digital files accurate, organised and up to date

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Conveyancing Assistant, Conveyancing Secretary, Paralegal or Legal Administrator (or strong transferable admin experience)

• Good understanding of the conveyancing process and the importance of deadlines

• Strong attention to detail and a careful, accurate approach

• Confident communication skills and a professional, client-focused manner

• Organised and proactive, able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment

• Comfortable using case management systems and Microsoft Office

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)

• Supportive team environment with strong training and development

• Hybrid working may be available (role dependent)

• Clear progression opportunities for the right person

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.

Associate – Real Estate Finance

Location: Manchester or Leeds

Salary: £85,000-£120,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 4+ Years PQE

Join a market-leading Real Estate Finance team known for delivering innovative solutions across domestic and cross-border transactions.

Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with a Tier 1-ranked Real Estate Finance practice, is seeking an experienced lawyer to work on complex, high-value finance transactions. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop your expertise in a supportive, dynamic environment that values technical excellence and commercial insight.

If you're an ambitious Real Estate Finance lawyer with 4+ years' PQE looking to work on diverse, challenging transactions, this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As an Associate in the Real Estate Finance team, you'll work closely with Partners and team members on a variety of sophisticated finance transactions across multiple sectors and asset classes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Handling diverse real estate finance transactions across sectors such as:
  • Hotels and leisure
  • Private Rental Sector (PRS)
  • Student accommodation
  • Logistics
  • Office developments
• Working on various finance transaction types:
  • Development finance
  • Hotel finance
  • Islamic finance
  • Mezzanine finance
• Acting for a wide range of clients, including:
  • Major banks
  • Debt funds
  • Insurers
  • Financial institutions
  • Investors
  • Developers
  • Blue-chip property companies
  • Family offices
• Drafting and negotiating complex legal documentation
• Providing strategic legal advice on finance transactions
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development efforts
• Collaborating with colleagues across practice areas
• Engaging in continuous professional development

This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-value transactions with genuine autonomy and support from an experienced team.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 4 years' post-qualification experience
• Strong academic qualifications
• Extensive technical knowledge of finance transaction legal frameworks
• Proven experience in real estate finance transactions
• Excellent document drafting skills
• Commercial and strategic approach to legal work
• Strong client relationship and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively
• Collaborative team player with a collegiate approach
• Proactive, detail-focused, and ambitious

Desirable:

• Experience across multiple real estate finance sectors
• Knowledge of cross-border transactions
• Understanding of Islamic finance structures
• Track record of business development
• Additional finance-related qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary (£85,000-£120,000 dependent on experience)
• Performance-related bonuses
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Life and income protection

Professional Development:

• Extensive training programmes
• Mentoring from industry experts
• Leadership development support
• Continuous learning resources
• Technical and skills-based training
• Clear career progression pathways

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave
• Family-friendly policies
• Wellbeing support programmes

Culture & Recognition:

• Supportive and collegiate environment
• Culture of improvement, growth, and collaboration
• Diverse and inclusive workplace
• Employee networks celebrating diversity
• Recognition for high-character colleagues who care for one another

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Manchester or Leeds office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Supported with flexible arrangements

About Our Client

Our client is a leading law firm committed to delivering technical excellence and real insight into clients' operations. They are the natural choice for FTSE 100 clients and their equivalents in other markets.

The firm's success has been built by people from the widest range of backgrounds, locations, and perspectives, with a number of employee networks that provide space to discuss differences and celebrate diversity.

Core Values:

• Technical excellence
• Real client insight
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Diversity and inclusion

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an ambitious Real Estate Finance lawyer looking to work on sophisticated transactions with exceptional development opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

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

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
0333 996 2882 or lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Associate – Commercial Disputes Lawyer

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £80,000

Experience: 3+ PQE (Commercial Disputes)

This is a brilliant opportunity for a Commercial Disputes Associate to join a top tier disputes practice in Manchester. You will work closely with highly regarded Partners on a varied, high calibre caseload, with genuine scope to develop your profile, deepen your technical expertise, and progress your career.

The team is known for its commercial, solutions-led approach to complex disputes, combining formal proceedings with strategic use of ADR.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting and running a varied caseload of commercial disputes matters

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

• Assisting on complex, high-value disputes including multi-party and cross-border elements

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

• Working with colleagues across practice areas to understand 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

• Supporting knowledge sharing, training, and continuous improvement within the team

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years’ PQE in commercial disputes / dispute resolution

• Strong technical grounding and a practical, commercial approach

• Excellent drafting and communication skills

• Confidence working to deadlines in a busy environment

• A collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with colleagues across offices and jurisdictions

• Interest in business development and building long-term client relationships

Desirable

• Experience of ADR (including negotiation and mediation)

• Exposure to specialist disputes areas (for example finance, fraud, construction, insurance, IT, IP, competition, property, tax or pensions disputes)

• Experience supporting complex transactions alongside contentious work

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £80,000

• High calibre work with a leading disputes team

• Clear progression and structured development support

• Strong training, mentoring, and opportunities to build your profile

• A supportive, collaborative culture with like-minded colleagues

About Our Client

Our client is a top tier, full-service law firm with a strong disputes reputation in the UK and internationally. The Manchester team is recognised for its commercial and innovative approach to resolving business disputes, acting for a broad client base including major corporates, public sector bodies, and high net worth individuals.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester

• Full-time, permanent 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 handled in strict confidence.

Legal Director – Disputes

Location: Manchester

Salary: £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

Experience: Senior level (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

If you’re a senior disputes lawyer looking to lead complex, high-value work and build long-term client relationships, this is a standout opportunity to join a top-tier Dispute Resolution team in Manchester.

You’ll take real ownership of matters, work closely with senior stakeholders, and play a visible role in developing the team and wider practice.

The Opportunity

This role offers a mix of high-stakes commercial litigation and broader disputes advisory work, with scope to shape strategy, mentor others and contribute to business development.

• Lead complex commercial litigation, arbitration and ADR matters from inception to resolution

• Build and maintain close client relationships and act as a trusted adviser

• Advise on a range of disputes, including fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition matters and technology disputes

• Supervise, mentor and develop associates and junior lawyers

• Contribute to business development and profile-raising activity

• Collaborate with colleagues across corporate, finance, real estate, employment and other practice areas

• Use legal technology and process improvement to enhance client service delivery

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong senior-level disputes experience (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

• Proven track record managing complex, high-value commercial litigation and/or international arbitration

• Strong technical capability across commercial disputes, with experience in at least two of: fraud and investigations, finance disputes, competition, technology disputes, or international arbitration

• Confident client relationship skills, with experience advising major corporates and senior stakeholders

• Team leadership experience, including supervision and mentoring

• Excellent drafting skills and strong attention to detail

• Commercially astute, solutions-focused approach

• Business development mindset and ability to identify growth opportunities

• Resilient and adaptable, able to manage multiple high-pressure matters

Desirable

• International arbitration experience (for example, ICC, LCIA, SIAC or similar)

• Sector strength in financial services, energy and/or technology

• Track record of client origination and business development

• Experience in a large, international law firm environment

• Exposure to cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

• Flexible hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)

• High-quality disputes work with strong client exposure

• Supportive, high-performing team environment

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training programmes, mentoring and coaching

• Access to legal technology and specialist support teams

• Inclusive culture with employee networks and a focus on wellbeing

About Our Client

Our client is a large, international, full-service law firm with a strong disputes capability and a collaborative culture. The firm supports major organisations across multiple jurisdictions and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

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.

Legal Director – Finance

Location: Leeds

Salary: £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

Experience: Senior level (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

If you’re a senior finance lawyer looking to lead complex, high-value transactions and build long-term client relationships, this is a standout opportunity to join a Finance and Projects team in Leeds.

You’ll take real ownership of matters, advise on sophisticated banking and project finance work, and play a visible role in developing the practice and mentoring junior lawyers.

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to major banking, project finance and infrastructure matters, with scope to shape deal strategy, drive client relationships and contribute to business development.

• Lead complex banking and finance transactions, including syndicated lending, acquisition finance, real estate finance and asset-based lending

• Manage project finance matters for infrastructure, energy, transport and other large-scale projects

• Structure and negotiate finance solutions that align with clients’ commercial objectives

• Draft and negotiate facility agreements, security documents and intercreditor arrangements

• Build and maintain strong client relationships with lenders, borrowers, corporates and public sector bodies

• Supervise, mentor and develop junior lawyers, supporting technical excellence and knowledge sharing

• Contribute to business development, profile-raising and thought leadership activity

• Use legal technology and process improvement to enhance client service delivery

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong senior-level experience in banking and finance and/or project finance (typically 8–12+ years’ PQE)

• Proven track record managing significant finance transactions from inception to completion

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality documentation under pressure

• Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solutions-led approach

• Confident client relationship skills and experience advising financial institutions, corporates and/or public sector bodies

• Leadership capability, including supervision and mentoring

• Collaborative working style across multidisciplinary teams and offices

Desirable

• Project finance or infrastructure finance experience, particularly in energy, transport and/or PPP/PFI

• Experience across real estate finance, acquisition finance and/or asset-based lending

• Experience in a large, international law firm environment

• Track record of business development and client origination

• Exposure to complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 plus bonus

• Hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the Leeds office)

• High-quality, complex finance work with strong client exposure

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training programmes, mentoring and coaching

• Access to legal technology and AI tools

• Supportive, inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing

About Our Client

Our client is a large, international, full-service law firm with a strong finance and projects capability and a collaborative culture. The firm advises a broad client base on complex transactions and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

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.

Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £60,000 to £100,000

Experience: 4–8 years’ PQE (Associate level), with scope to step up

If you’re an ambitious corporate lawyer looking for high-quality work and a clear platform for progression, this is an excellent opportunity to join a top-tier corporate and commercial team in Manchester City Centre.

You’ll work on sophisticated transactions, build strong client relationships, and benefit from the support and resources of a major, full-service practice.

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad mix of corporate and commercial work, with the chance to take ownership of matters, support on complex transactions, and contribute to the continued growth of the Manchester team.

• Advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts

• Manage your own caseload while supporting on high-value transactions

• Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements

• Provide strategic, commercially focused advice to clients across a range of sectors

• Build and maintain client relationships, with a focus on business development

• Mentor and supervise junior team members

• Contribute to profile-raising and team growth in Manchester

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 4–8 years’ PQE in corporate and commercial law

• Strong experience advising on UK corporate transactions, including M&A and commercial contracts

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

• Confident client relationship management skills

• Commercial awareness and an interest in business development

• Able to work independently, while contributing effectively within a team

• Strong written and verbal communication

Desirable

• Experience in a Top 100 and/or international law firm environment

• Sector experience (for example, technology, healthcare, energy or financial services)

• Track record of business development and/or client origination

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £100,000

• Performance-based bonus scheme

• Hybrid working arrangements

• Private medical insurance

• Pension contribution scheme

• Income protection and life assurance

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)

• Enhanced parental leave policies

• Wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programme

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

• Professional subscriptions and Law Society fees paid

• Modern office in Manchester City Centre with excellent transport links

• Training and development support, with a clear progression pathway

• Secondment opportunities (UK and international)

• Mentoring from experienced senior lawyers

About Our Client

Our client is a Top 100, full-service law firm with a strong UK presence and an international reach. The firm is known for its investment in people, collaborative culture and high-quality work across a broad client base.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. 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 handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.