Real Estate Legal Director

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £95,000 to £120,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Senior level commercial real estate experience (typically 9+ years)

If you’re a senior commercial real estate lawyer who enjoys leading complex investment and portfolio work, building trusted client relationships, and delivering pragmatic advice at pace, this is a standout opportunity to join a highly rated national Real Estate team.

You’ll be part of a large, collaborative practice with a strong market reputation, advising a broad client base including investors, pension funds, corporate occupiers, developers and public sector organisations. The work is varied, high quality, and offers real scope to shape client relationships and play a visible role in a growing team.

This role suits a Legal Director who wants exposure to significant investment transactions and strategic real estate work, while working within a supportive, entrepreneurial national team.

You will be advising on a wide range of commercial real estate matters, with a particular focus on investment and traditional real estate work, including acquisitions and disposals, asset management, landlord and tenant, portfolio projects and refinancing.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on investment acquisitions and disposals (freehold and leasehold)

• Advising on asset management and portfolio management matters

• Handling landlord and tenant transactions, including leases and related documentation

• Supporting clients on portfolio acquisitions and strategic real estate projects

• Advising on refinancing projects and working closely with finance colleagues where needed

• Managing matters from instruction through to completion, keeping delivery commercial and solutions-focused

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships and becoming a trusted extension of in-house teams

• Supervising and supporting junior lawyers, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider firm to deliver joined-up advice

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong senior-level commercial real estate experience, with a particular interest in investment and traditional real estate work

• Proven ability to lead matters independently and manage complex transactions

• Confident client-facing approach with strong commercial judgement

• Collaborative working style and a genuine interest in supporting and developing others

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver high-quality work to deadlines

What’s On Offer

• Salary £95,000 to £120,000 plus bonus and benefits

• High-quality investment, asset management and portfolio work within a nationally recognised team

• Collaborative culture with a strong market reputation and impressive client base

• Opportunity to play a visible role in a thriving, entrepreneurial practice

• Flexible working considered

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.

Regulatory Lawyer (Health & Safety) 

Location: Leeds

Salary: £65,000 to £95,000

Experience: Associate to Managing Associate 

Our client is looking to recruit a Regulatory Lawyer (Health & Safety) at Associate to Managing Associate level to join a growing national corporate defence and regulatory team, based in Leeds.

This role suits someone who enjoys high-quality advisory and contentious regulatory work, and who wants exposure to complex investigations, enforcement action and crisis matters. The team supports clients across a wide range of corporate defence and regulatory issues, including criminal prosecutions, compliance with health and safety and other industry regulations, risk management, and engagement with regulators.

Applications from candidates with more experience than the level suggested are welcomed.

What You’ll Be Doing

Your workload will vary depending on experience, but is likely to include:

• Health & safety advice, including compliance, incident response, investigations and enforcement or prosecution support

• Product safety and product liability-adjacent regulatory work, including product recall strategy, internal investigations and engagement with enforcement bodies

• Food safety and wider regulated-product compliance work for clients operating under heightened regulatory scrutiny

• Support on broader corporate defence and regulatory investigations and proceedings, including (where relevant) corporate manslaughter, coroner’s inquests, and other investigations and enforcement work

• Working closely with colleagues nationally to deliver strategic, joined-up advice

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience

• Experience in health & safety, and ideally exposure to product recall or product safety and/or food safety regulatory work

• Confident handling investigations and enforcement-facing matters

• Calm, pragmatic advisory style and strong client care

• Sound case management skills, including financial management and meeting client expectations

• Good IT skills and confidence using case management systems, electronic time recording and Microsoft packages

• Collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £65,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)

• High-quality regulatory and corporate defence work with exposure to complex investigations and enforcement matters

• Opportunity to work as part of a national team while being Leeds-based

• Supportive environment with scope to develop and progress

Working Arrangements

• Leeds

• Full-time, permanent

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.

Trusts, Estates and Tax Managing Associate

Salary: £85,000 – £110,000 + Bonus (DOE)

Location: Leeds

Experience: 8–15 years’ PQE (Trusts, Estates & Tax)

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Managing Associate to join our client’s highly ranked Trusts, Estates and Tax team in Leeds. This is an ideal role for an experienced private client specialist seeking to supervise high-value estate administration, manage complex matters, and develop professionally within a nationally recognised firm.

The Opportunity:

• Supervise and progress the administration of all types of estates, including taxable and non-taxable, disputed estates, business/agricultural property, and estates involving trusts

• Draft estate planning reports and advise business owners/land owners on succession and tax planning

• Advise on a broad range of high and ultra-high net worth matters, including international, agricultural, literary, and business assets

• Work closely with junior team members, providing guidance and support

• Engage in business development and private wealth initiatives

• Collaborate with specialists in mental capacity, cross-border estates, and agricultural law

What We’re Looking For:

• 8–15 years’ PQE in trusts, estates, and tax law

• STEP membership or willingness to undertake STEP qualifications

• Strong commercial acumen and client-focused approach

• Proven supervisory and case management skills

• Excellent IT skills, including experience with case management systems and Microsoft Office

• Friendly, self-starting individual with excellent interpersonal skills

• Commitment to the firm’s values of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience (£85,000 – £110,000 DOE)

• Performance-related bonus

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern office environment in Leeds

• Advanced legal technology and resources

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Genuine opportunities for progression and strategic input

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The Trusts, Estates and Tax team is highly ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide and provides expert advice to a diverse client base. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements:

Leeds. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible/hybrid working available.

How to Apply:

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

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Senior Associate / Managing Associate – Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 plus bonus (guideline, depending on experience)

Experience: 4+ years PQE

This is a brilliant chance to join a specialist national team advising operators in the drinks, hospitality and leisure sector. The work is property-led, fast-paced and commercially grounded, supporting clients who are actively acquiring, developing, optimising and transacting across large estates.

You will work closely with colleagues across corporate, employment, tax, planning, IP and disputes to deliver joined-up advice that reflects how the sector operates in practice.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on freehold and leasehold site acquisitions and disposals

• Supporting development and pre-let arrangements

• Handling portfolio work, including re-gears and estate optimisation

• Advising on day-to-day estate management matters, including landlord and tenant work

• Drafting and negotiating licences, variations, easements and ancillary agreements

• Spotting operator-specific issues that sit alongside real estate (for example TUPE, TOGC, capital allowances and licensing or regulatory touchpoints) and bringing in specialist support where needed

• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development

• Collaborating with colleagues across the national team and wider firm

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 4+ years’ PQE with strong real estate experience (ideally with exposure to retail, leisure or hospitality assets)

• Confident drafting and negotiation skills across commercial property documentation

• Commercial, pragmatic approach and ability to work at pace

• Strong client handling skills and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• Experience advising operator clients (pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels or wider leisure)

• Experience of portfolio re-gears and high-volume transactional programmes

• Interest in developing a profile in the hospitality and leisure sector

What’s On Offer

• Salary guideline £70,000 to £90,000 plus bonus (depending on experience)

• High-quality, sector-focused work with strong client exposure

• National platform with cross-office collaboration and specialist support

• Clear progression pathway with leadership support

• Supportive, inclusive culture with a focus on recognition, development and wellbeing

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service UK law firm with a national footprint and a strong reputation for technical excellence and commercial delivery. The firm is known for its collaborative culture and commitment to developing its people, with clear progression pathways and strong support for networking and relationship building.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Leeds

• Full-time, permanent role

• Flexible working considered

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.

Pensions Director/Partner

Location: Leeds

Salary: £95,000 to £150,000 plus bonus (guideline, depending on following and track record)

Experience: Senior level (Director/Partner), with an established and transferable client following

The Opportunity

This is a senior opportunity for an established Pensions Director/Partner to join a high-performing, national pensions practice within a full-service UK law firm.

You will step into a role with genuine platform and backing to grow, influence strategy and build a team, supported by a collaborative culture and strong cross-referral opportunities across employment and corporate.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and advising on a broad range of pensions matters for employers, trustees and individuals

• Supporting clients across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, governance and regulatory compliance

• Advising on scheme documentation, corporate transactions, restructures and pensions aspects of wider strategic projects

• Providing clear, commercial and pragmatic advice on complex, high-value matters

• Building and sustaining client and referrer relationships, with a visible market presence

• Contributing to business development strategy, thought leadership and profile-raising

• Collaborating closely with colleagues across employment and corporate to deliver joined-up advice

• Supervising, mentoring and developing lawyers, helping shape a high-performing team

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Senior-level pensions experience with strong technical capability

• Established and transferable client following

• Proven track record of winning work and developing client and referrer relationships

• Commercial judgement, strong communication and confidence advising at senior stakeholder level

• Collaborative approach and genuine interest in developing others

Desirable

• Experience advising on PPF-related processes and public-sector arrangements

• Track record of building teams and shaping practice strategy

What’s On Offer

• Salary guideline £95,000 to £150,000 plus bonus (depending on following and track record)

• A genuine opportunity to shape and grow a pensions practice within a national platform

• High-quality, strategic work with a broad UK client base

• Strong cross-referral opportunities across a full-service firm

• Supportive, inclusive culture with clear progression and leadership backing

• Flexible working considered

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service UK law firm with a national footprint and a strong reputation for high-quality advice and long-term client relationships. The pensions team sits within a wider employment, pensions and immigration practice and advises across the full spectrum of pensions work, with a clear focus on pragmatic, commercial outcomes.

The culture is collaborative and people-focused, with a genuine commitment to wellbeing, recognition and development. This is a firm where senior lawyers are supported to build, lead and thrive.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Leeds

• Full-time, permanent role

• Flexible working considered

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.

Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate

Location: Leeds (flexible working available)

Career Level: Managing Associate 3-10 PQE

Salary: £50,000 - £85,000 + Bonus (dependent on experience)

Join One of the UK's Largest Residential Development Teams

Are you an ambitious residential development lawyer looking to join one of the UK's largest and most dynamic housebuilding and strategic land teams? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate with 3-10 years' PQE to join their expanding Leeds team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work with one of the largest residential development teams in the UK, acting for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners, local authorities, investors, and promoters. The firm has been extremely successful with recent national housebuilder panel wins (both new appointments and re-appointments).

The Team

The Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team is one of the largest residential development teams in the UK and is supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams – with 80+ lawyers within the related HSL sector group.

The team acts for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners (from individuals to major PLC regeneration companies), local authorities, investors, and promoters in the residential development and strategic land sectors.

The firm's vision is to be the best firm in the UK for residential development and to grow whilst maintaining a unique culture, where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people remains at the heart of what they do.

The Role

As a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Managing Associate, you will act for the firm's expanding client base of housebuilding and strategic land clients, working on a varied caseload of residential development transactions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and take an active part in that growth.

Depending on your level of experience, you will handle routine and complex residential development transactions, build and develop client relationships, and benefit from extensive training and support for your career development.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Acting for housebuilders, promoters, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities on residential development transactions

• Handling routine transactions including conditional and unconditional contracts, options, golden-brick and other affordable housing transactions

• Advising on back-to-back sales, deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements, and overages

• Managing site-assembly transactions and service charge/management agreements

• Advising on complex transactions including strategic land/promotion agreements/hybrid agreements and collaboration agreements

• Advising on VAT and SDLT issues in residential development transactions

• Advising on affordable housing transactions

• Building and developing strong client relationships

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the HSL sector group including planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams

• Contributing to business development activities and maintaining relationships with national housebuilder panel clients

• Providing exceptional client service with commercially focused advice

• Managing your own caseload whilst collaborating on more complex matters

• Taking an active part in the growth and development of the team

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 3-10 years' PQE in real estate law with focus on residential development

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Strong technical knowledge of residential development transactions

• Ambitious, client-focused, and highly competent

• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

• Strong client care skills with ability to build and maintain relationships

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously

• Commercially focused with pragmatic approach to problem-solving

• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service

Highly Desirable (dependent on level of experience):

• Proven track record in acting for housebuilders, promoters, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities

• Good and growing client relationships

• Competency with routine transactions such as conditional and unconditional contracts, options, golden-brick and other affordable housing transactions, back-to-back sales, deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements, overages, site-assembly, and service charge/management agreements

• Experience of complex transactions such as strategic land/promotion agreements/hybrid agreements and collaboration agreements

• Good understanding of VAT and SDLT issues

• Good understanding of affordable housing transactions

• Experience working with national housebuilders or on housebuilder panels

Key Attributes:

• Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals

• Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic

• Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery

• Strong team player who values collaboration

• Adaptable and able to work on diverse and complex transactions

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Commercially astute with excellent problem-solving abilities

• Enthusiastic about residential development and strategic land work

• Commitment to 'doing the right thing' and firm values

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £50,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• Clear progression pathway with leadership support

• Award-winning firm with national reputation

• Part of one of the largest residential development teams in the UK with 80+ lawyers in the HSL sector group

• Work with the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders

• Diverse client base including national housebuilders, developers, housing associations, landowners, local authorities, investors, and promoters

• Recent national housebuilder panel wins (new appointments and re-appointments)

• Extensive training scheme to support future career development

• Further exposure to complex transactions and specialist areas

• Supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams

• Excellent training and professional development opportunities

• Employee awards programme recognising excellent work

• Strong focus on employee wellbeing

• Unique culture where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people is at the heart

• Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards)

• Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard

• Leeds office with flexible working available

• Modern office with excellent facilities

About Our Client

Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow.

The Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team is one of the largest residential development teams in the UK, with 80+ lawyers within the related HSL sector group. The team is supported by large planning, plot sales, construction, environmental, agricultural, litigation, and tax teams.

The team acts for the majority of the top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, local and national developers, housing associations, landowners (from individuals to major PLC regeneration companies), local authorities, investors, and promoters in the residential development and strategic land sectors.

The firm has been extremely successful with recent national housebuilder panel wins (both new appointments and re-appointments) and continues to expand its client base.

The firm's vision is to be the best firm in the UK for residential development and to grow whilst maintaining a unique culture, where 'doing the right thing' and looking after people remains at the heart of what they do.

The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.

The firm's values are smart, bold, and together, with a commitment to making a positive change at every touchpoint for colleagues, clients, and communities.

Location

This role is based in the firm's Leeds office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly, collaborative team culture. Flexible working arrangements are available.

How to Apply

If you're an ambitious residential development lawyer with a passion for delivering exceptional client service and keen to join one of the UK's largest housebuilding and strategic land teams, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer

Location: Leeds (Flexible Working)

Salary: £65,000-£95,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 4+ Years PQE

Join the UK's largest residential development legal team, working with top housebuilders, developers, and strategic land clients across the UK.

Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with 13 UK offices, is seeking an ambitious Real Estate lawyer to join their Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a team of 80+ lawyers supporting the majority of the UK's top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, housing associations, and major regeneration companies.

If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer with 4+ years' PQE looking to work on complex residential development transactions and build a significant career in property law, this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer, you'll be a key member of one of the UK's largest residential development legal teams. You'll work with a diverse client base, handling both routine and complex property transactions across various sectors.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Handling transactions for housebuilders, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities

• Managing routine and complex property transactions, including:

  • Conditional and unconditional contracts

  • Options agreements

  • Golden-brick and affordable housing transactions

  • Back-to-back sales

  • Deeds of easement

  • Infrastructure agreements

  • Overage arrangements

  • Site assembly projects

  • Service charge and management agreements

• Advising on strategic land matters, including:

  • Promotion agreements

  • Hybrid agreements

  • Collaboration agreements

  • Land pooling

  • Building licences

  • Mixed-use schemes

  • Private Rental Sector (PRS) developments

  • Institutional investment transactions

  • Portfolio charging and acquisitions

• Providing expert advice on VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) issues

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

• Developing contacts with leading residential development land agents

• Contributing to the team's growth and business development efforts

• Supporting colleagues across the HSL sector group

• Participating in the firm's extensive training and development programme

This role offers excellent variety, working with high-profile clients on complex residential development projects, with genuine autonomy and support from an experienced team.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 4 years' PQE in Real Estate/Property law

• Proven track record in residential development and strategic land transactions

• Strong experience with routine property transactions

• Demonstrated competence in handling complex property matters

• Excellent understanding of VAT and SDLT issues

• Strong client relationship management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams

• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

• Ambitious and client-focused approach

• Highly competent with exceptional attention to detail

Desirable:

• Experience with top 10/20 housebuilders

• Contacts with regional land development agents

• Advanced knowledge of affordable housing transactions

• Experience in mixed-use and institutional investment projects

• Track record of business development

• Additional property-related qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary (4-6 years PQE: £65,000-£75,000 | 7+ years PQE: £75,000-£95,000)

• Performance-related bonuses

• Enhanced pension scheme

• Life and income protection

Professional Development:

• Extensive training and development programme

• Clear career progression pathways

• Mentorship opportunities

• Support for professional qualifications

• Exposure to complex, high-value transactions

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements

• Hybrid working options

• Generous annual leave

• Family-friendly policies

• Wellbeing support programmes

Culture & Recognition:

• Part of a Legal Business Awards Law Firm of the Year

• Working Families Top 30 Employer

• Collaborative team culture

• Employee recognition programmes

• Commitment to "doing the right thing"

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Leeds office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Flexible working supported
National Reach: Part of HSL sector group across 13 UK offices

About Our Client

A leading UK law firm committed to:

• 13 nationwide offices

• Over 1,000 colleagues

• Award-winning reputation

• Vision to be the best firm for residential development

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer looking to join a market-leading team with exceptional development opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

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

Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate

Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 + Bonus (DOE)

Location: Leeds

Experience: 3–8 years’ PQE (Planning Law)

A superb opportunity has arisen for a Planning Senior Associate or Managing Associate to join our client’s nationally recognised Planning and Environment Group in Birmingham. This role is ideal for an experienced planning solicitor seeking to work on a diverse range of projects within a top-ranked, multi-disciplinary team at a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Advise on Section 106 agreements, highways and other statutory agreements

• Provide guidance on planning, highways, and associated law

• Conduct due diligence for property and corporate transactions

• Handle contentious planning matters, including Inquiries, hearings, and Judicial Reviews

• Opportunity to work on large regeneration schemes and nationally significant projects

• Collaborate with planning lawyers, environmental lawyers, advocates, and consultants across all development sectors

What We’re Looking For:

• 3–8 years’ PQE in planning law

• Experience with Section 106, highways, and statutory agreements

• Strong technical and commercial acumen

• Experience with contentious planning work (Planning Inquiries, Judicial Reviews)

• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice

• Excellent communication and teamworking skills

• Enthusiastic, collaborative, and passionate approach

• Experience with large regeneration schemes (desirable)

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience (£70,000 – £90,000 DOE)

• Performance-related bonus

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern office environment in central Birmingham

• Advanced legal technology and resources

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Genuine opportunities for progression and strategic input

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The planning and environment group is one of the largest and fastest growing in the country, providing expert advice across all development sectors. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements:

Leeds. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible/hybrid working available.

How to Apply:

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

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Corporate/Real Estate Tax Associate/Director

Location: Leeds

Salary: £55,000-£85,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 2+ Years PQE

Join a Legal 500 ranked Corporate and Real Estate Tax team that combines technical excellence with a collaborative, supportive culture.

Our client, a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK, is seeking a specialist Tax Solicitor to join their highly regarded Corporate and Real Estate Tax team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside a cohesive team of 15 lawyers, providing pragmatic tax advice to a diverse range of clients including owner-managed businesses, private equity firms, and complex corporate structures.

If you're an ambitious tax lawyer with 2+ years' PQE looking for a role that offers genuine career progression, flexible working, and the chance to work on sophisticated tax planning matters, this could be your perfect next move.

About the Role

As a Tax Solicitor, you'll manage a varied and intellectually challenging caseload, providing strategic tax advice across multiple sectors and client types. You'll work collaboratively within a specialist team of 15 tax lawyers, developing your expertise and building strong client relationships while contributing to the team's continued growth and success.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on complex tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions
• Supporting corporate reorganisations and restructuring
• Providing strategic advice on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), VAT, and employment taxes
• Working with owner-managed businesses, private equity firms, and unit trusts
• Developing and implementing sophisticated tax planning strategies
• Handling exit strategies and offshore structuring
• Collaborating with corporate and private wealth teams
• Supporting groups of companies with complex tax planning requirements
• Drafting and reviewing tax-related documentation Contributing to employment tax and remuneration planning
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships across diverse sectors Identifying tax-efficient solutions for clients' business challenges

This role offers excellent variety, working with high-profile clients on complex tax matters, with genuine autonomy and support from a nationally recognised team.

What We're Looking For

• Essential Requirements:
• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 2 years' PQE in tax law
• Strong background in corporate tax advisory work
• Proven analytical skills with a commercial approach to tax planning
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple office locations
• Commitment to a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Passion for delivering pragmatic, solution-focused tax advice
• Ability to manage complex tax matters with attention to detail
• Strong technical tax knowledge with commercial awareness

Desirable:

• Experience in private equity or owner-managed business tax planning
• Additional qualifications in tax (CTA, ATT)
• Experience with international tax structuring
• Track record of business development or client relationship management
• Knowledge of emerging tax technologies and digital tax solutions

Exceptional Benefits Package

Our client is committed to being an employer of choice and offers an outstanding benefits package that reflects their genuine care for employee wellbeing and work-life balance:

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience £55,000-£85,000
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Enhanced pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Life assurance and income protection

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements across 13 office locations
• Hybrid working policy
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Family-friendly policies and support
• Option to work across multiple office locations

Wellbeing & Development:

• Comprehensive professional development support
• Clear career progression pathways
• Mentoring from experienced tax specialists
• Access to cutting-edge tax research and resources
• Opportunities for specialisation and advanced tax training
• Employee recognition and rewards programme

Culture & Community:

• Part of a Legal 500 ranked tax team
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Regular team-building and social events
• Opportunity to work with diverse, high-profile clients Inclusive environment that values individual contributions

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based: Leeds
• Hybrid Working: Supported with agile working arrangements

About Our Client

Our client is a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK, known for their pragmatic approach and commitment to client service. Their Corporate and Real Estate Tax team of 15 lawyers is recognized in the Legal 500, providing sophisticated tax advice to a diverse range of clients.

The firm prides itself on: Delivering pragmatic, solution-focused tax advice Supporting businesses from owner-managed enterprises to complex corporate structures Providing flexible, innovative tax planning strategies Maintaining a collaborative and inclusive team culture

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an experienced Tax Solicitor looking for a role with a Legal 500 ranked team, exceptional development opportunities, and genuine career progression, 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

Employment Law Partner/Director

Salary: Fee-share/Market-Rate (dependent on following and experience)

Location: Leeds (other national offices considered 

Experience: Senior Employment Solicitor/Partner/Director (significant client following or referral network)

A rare opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Employment Partner or Director to join our client’s nationally recognised employment team, based from any of their 13 UK offices. This is an ideal role for a senior employment specialist with an established client following or referral network, seeking to play a key part in the ongoing growth and strategic direction of a leading national firm.

The Opportunity:

• Lead and develop a thriving employment team within a national full-service law firm

• Deliver specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a diverse client base (PLCs, SMEs, senior executives)

• Advise on disciplinary, grievance, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing, redundancy, restructures, and strategic matters

• Contribute to business development, team strategy, and mentoring of colleagues

• Benefit from access to cutting-edge legal tech, a dedicated Professional Skills Employment Lawyer, and in-house Counsel support

What We’re Looking For:

• Senior employment solicitor/partner/director with an established client following or referral network

• Expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law

• Track record of business development and strategic leadership

• Excellent client care, communication, and teamworking skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative approach

• Commitment to high standards, integrity, and inclusion

What’s On Offer:

• Fee-share or market-rate remuneration (depending on following and experience)

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive, inclusive leadership and firm-wide culture

• Modern offices in 13 UK locations with advanced legal technology

• Genuine opportunities for strategic input and team growth

• Comprehensive professional development and training

• Recognition for diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (UK Diversity Legal Awards, Investors in People Silver)

• Regular firm-wide and team social events

• Range of benefits including pension, health and wellbeing support, and enhanced family-friendly policies

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national law firm, widely recognised for its inclusive culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. With over 1,000 colleagues and 13 offices across the UK, the firm offers a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. The employment team is highly ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, providing expert advice to a diverse client base. The firm invests in its people through flexible working, advanced legal technology, and a strong focus on professional development and wellbeing.

Location & Working Arrangements: Any UK office (e.g., Derby Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Bristol). Flexible/hybrid working available.

How to Apply: Apply online or send your CV to Lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com and 0333 996 2882 

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.