Private Client Senior Associate

Salary: £85,000–£115,000

Location: London | Highly Regarded Boutique Firm

A Rare Opportunity in a Distinctive Private Client Practice

Not all private client roles are created equal. This one stands out.

Our client is a well-regarded, multidisciplinary London law firm with a genuinely distinctive client base — spanning high-net-worth individuals, family offices, technology entrepreneurs, established names from the entertainment and media industries, sports professionals, and international private wealth clients with connections to the US and Middle East. This is not a vanilla private client seat. The work is technically demanding, cross-border in scope, and handled by a team that punches well above its weight in terms of quality and reputation.

If you are a senior associate with a strong private client background who wants to do complex, rewarding work in a collegiate environment — and progress your career alongside people who invest in your development — this role is worth a conversation.

The Role at a Glance

Job Title: Private Client Senior Associate

Location: London (hybrid working available)

Salary: £85,000–£115,000 depending on PQE and experience

PQE: 4–7 years (applications considered from strong candidates outside this range)

Practice Area: Private Client and Tax

Consultant: David Hawthorne-Finch

About Our Client

Our client is a dynamic, full-service law firm headquartered in London, widely recognised for its expertise across the creative, technology, finance, entertainment, media, and sports sectors. Their Private Client and Tax Group is a highly regarded team, sitting at the heart of the firm’s broader Private Capital initiative.

Their client roster includes high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trustees, financial institutions, and established businesses — many with complex international structures and cross-border requirements. This is a firm that attracts interesting work and interesting people in equal measure.

They offer a clear path for career progression, structured training and development programmes throughout the year, and a genuinely supportive, collegiate culture. They do not pay lip service to career development — they build it into how they operate.

What You Will Be Doing

You will join the Private Client and Tax Group as a senior associate, working across a complex and varied caseload that includes:

Succession Planning and Wealth Structuring

• Drafting wills and advising on succession planning strategies
• Creating and maintaining wealth planning structures including onshore and offshore trusts, foundations, family investment companies (FICs), and partnerships
• Supporting trustees and beneficiaries regarding their rights and responsibilities, including trust restructuring projects

Tax Advisory

• Advising on inheritance tax including reliefs, exemptions, double tax treaties, and strategic planning exercises
• Providing guidance on tax residency and domicile, income tax, capital gains tax, the remittance basis of taxation, split-year treatment, overseas workday relief, and other personal tax matters
• Advising on the establishment, management, and unwinding of UK residential property holding structures, covering IHT, CGT, income tax, ATED, SDLT, and corporate tax considerations

Cross-Border and International Matters

• Advising on cross-border succession planning, conflict of law issues, and co-ordinating with foreign counsel to implement global strategies
• Working with clients linked to the Middle East and US markets

Capacity and Compliance

• Advising on legal issues arising from the loss of mental capacity, including the preparation and registration of lasting powers of attorney
• Assisting with compliance matters including reporting obligations, transparency, and anti-corruption regulations

Philanthropy and Charitable Law

• Advising individuals and trustees on philanthropic initiatives and impact investing
• Providing guidance on charitable law for charitable organisations

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 4 years’ PQE in private client, gained within a UK law firm
• Strong grounding in wills, trusts, succession planning, and personal tax (IHT, CGT, income tax, domicile and residency)
• Experience advising high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth individuals
• Excellent academic background with strong technical and drafting skills
• Proactive, self-sufficient, and able to manage your own caseload

Desirable:

• Experience with cross-border succession planning and international private client matters
• Exposure to trust structuring, FICs, or offshore arrangements
• Some familiarity with LPAs and mental capacity matters
• Prior involvement with philanthropic or charitable law matters
• Experience working alongside clients in the technology, entertainment, media, or sports sectors

Personal Qualities:

• Technically excellent with strong commercial judgement
• Confident and personable — comfortable building direct client relationships
• Collaborative by nature, with the ability to work independently and know when to escalate
• Enthusiastic, driven, and genuinely interested in private client work

What Is On Offer

• Salary: £85,000–£115,000 (commensurate with PQE and experience)
• Hybrid working with flexible arrangements in place
• Clear, structured career progression with a genuine route to partnership
• Access to firmwide training and development programmes throughout the year
• A collegiate, inclusive, and supportive team culture — this is a firm where people stay and progress
• Exposure to a distinctive and diverse client base not typically found at a generalist firm
• High-quality, complex work with real responsibility at senior associate level
• Involvement in the firm’s broader Private Capital initiative
• Opportunity to develop sector-specific expertise across technology, entertainment, media, sport, and international private wealth

How to Apply

This role is being handled on a strictly confidential basis. 

To express your interest or to have a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch

Managing Director, Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd

d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

0333 996 2882

All applications and enquiries are treated in complete confidence. Your details will not be shared with our client without your written consent.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd is an equal opportunities recruiter. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Employment Solicitor (5-7 years PQE)

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000

Experience: 5 to 7 years PQE

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced Employment Solicitor (5 to 7 years PQE) to join a growing Employment team in Manchester.

This is a role for someone who enjoys pragmatic, commercial advice and wants a genuine mix of contentious and non-contentious work, including senior advisory mandates and high-value tribunal litigation.

The Work

You can expect a varied caseload, including:

• High-value tribunal claims, including whistleblowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal

• Senior executive appointments and exits, settlement agreements and restrictive covenants

• Restructures, redundancies and TUPE

• Urgent injunction and confidential information matters

• Day-to-day advisory work for HR leaders and boards, including through a retained client offering

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing employment matters end-to-end across contentious and non-contentious streams

• Acting as a strategic adviser to HR leaders and boards, delivering practical, solutions-led advice

• Mentoring and supervising junior colleagues and contributing to know-how, training and client updates

• Supporting business development activity, including thought leadership and events

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor with 5 to 7 years PQE in employment law

• Strong experience managing your own caseload and drafting

• Confident supervising and delegating within a busy team

• Clear, commercial communication style and a client-focused approach

Desirable:

• Advocacy experience

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £90,000 (dependent on experience)

• Hybrid working and dress for your day policy

• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave via salary sacrifice

• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution

• Death in service life assurance (3 times salary)

• Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Flu vaccination voucher

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 12 months’ service

• Discounted wills and conveyancing services after 12 months’ service

• Annual travel pass loan

• Monthly staff lottery

• Birthday holiday (one paid day within two weeks of your birthday)

• In-depth induction plan and training workshops

• Access to online legal library resources

• Career development loans (grant support) after two years’ service

• Volunteering and community engagement opportunities

• Office-based gym membership

• Social events

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent

• Manchester

• Hybrid working

Next Steps

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

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

Construction Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Construction)

This is a brilliant opportunity for a Construction Solicitor to join a highly regarded, UK200-listed commercial law firm in Manchester city centre.

You will work on a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious construction matters, supporting a varied client base across the North West and beyond. The team is known for being commercial, collaborative and straight-talking, with a strong focus on helping clients get projects delivered and disputes resolved pragmatically.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a range of construction matters, including both contentious and non-contentious work

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction documentation, including building contracts, consultant appointments, collateral warranties and related documents

• Advising on procurement routes, risk allocation and contract strategy

• Supporting clients through live project issues, including variations, extensions of time, defects and payment disputes

• Managing disputes through negotiation and ADR (including mediation and adjudication) and, where required, litigation

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider commercial property, corporate and dispute resolution teams

• Building strong client relationships through clear, practical advice and excellent client care

• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in construction law

• Experience handling a mix of contentious and/or non-contentious construction matters

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with a practical, commercial approach

• Confidence managing matters with appropriate supervision and working to deadlines

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• Experience of adjudication and/or mediation

• Exposure to development projects, real estate finance or infrastructure-related work

• Experience supporting clients across a range of sectors (for example real estate, leisure, tech, healthcare or financial services)

What’s On Offer 

• Hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave (salary sacrifice)

• Employer pension contribution of 4%

• Death in service cover (3x annual salary)

• Birthday holiday (paid day off, taken within two weeks of your birthday)

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for you and household dependents aged 16+)

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle2Work scheme

• In-depth induction plan and structured training workshops

Plus many more in the Company's full benefits handbook.

About Our Client

Our client is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester city centre, advising businesses and individuals across the North West and nationally. The firm is known for being commercial, connected and collaborative, with a strong focus on clear communication and long-term client relationships.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester City Centre

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported

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.

Banking/Corporate/Real Estate Support Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working)

Salary: £60,000 to £78,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 2 to 4 years PQE (Banking)

This is a brilliant opportunity for a Banking Solicitor (2 to 4 PQE) to join a highly regarded, UK200-listed commercial law firm in Manchester city centre.

The role sits within a busy Banking and Real Estate Finance function, supporting colleagues across banking, corporate and real estate teams. You will work on a varied mix of lender and borrower matters, with exposure to bespoke facility documentation and the chance to develop strong technical skills in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating banking documentation and bespoke facility agreements

• Working with Loan Market Association (LMA) style documentation, including facility agreements and related security documentation

• Supporting senior lawyers on transactions, including managing conditions precedent, coordinating signing and completion, and maintaining clear transaction checklists

• Liaising with clients, counterparties and external advisers to progress matters efficiently

• Working closely with colleagues across banking, corporate and real estate to deliver joined-up advice

• Managing your workload effectively, prioritising competing deadlines and keeping stakeholders updated

• Maintaining high standards of accuracy, file management and time recording

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 2 to 4 years’ PQE and a background in banking / real estate finance

• Experience drafting and reviewing banking documentation and bespoke facilities documents

• Familiarity with LMA style documentation

• Strong organisation skills and attention to detail

• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Exposure to security documentation (for example debentures, guarantees, legal charges and ancillary documents)

• Experience supporting transactions involving real estate, corporate structures or development funding

• Comfortable working directly with clients and building long-term relationships

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave (salary sacrifice)

• Employer pension contribution of 4%

• Death in service cover (3x annual salary)

• Birthday holiday (paid day off, taken within two weeks of your birthday)

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for you and household dependents aged 16+)

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle2Work scheme

• In-depth induction plan and structured training workshops

About Our Client

Our client is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester city centre, advising businesses and individuals across the North West and nationally. The firm is known for being commercial, connected and collaborative, with a strong focus on clear communication and long-term client relationships.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester City Centre

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported

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.

Corporate Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working)

Salary: £78,000 to £95,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 6 to 8 years PQE (Corporate)

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Corporate Solicitor (6 to 8 PQE) to join an open, transparent Corporate team within a highly regarded commercial law firm in Manchester city centre.

You will play a key role in driving larger transactions, running smaller transactions and supporting a steady stream of advisory, non-transactional work. The team is known for its collaborative approach, pragmatic advice and genuine investment in developing people, including the opportunity to supervise and coach junior colleagues as you progress.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting on larger corporate transactions, taking responsibility for defined workstreams and driving matters forward

• Running smaller transactions with appropriate supervision, managing timelines, deliverables and client expectations

• Advising on a broad range of corporate work, including:

• M&A

• Corporate restructurings

• Investments

• Joint ventures and shareholder agreements

• LLP and partnership agreements

• General company advice

• Some AIM/plc related work

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating transaction documents and ancillary agreements

• Providing clear, commercial advice and pragmatic solutions to clients

• Supervising, coaching and developing less experienced members of the team

• Building strong internal relationships across the wider firm and contributing to client relationship development

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 6 to 8 years’ PQE in corporate law

• Strong experience across corporate transactions, with confidence handling matters with appropriate supervision

• Commercial mindset and the ability to provide pragmatic, client-focused advice

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

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and clear communication

Desirable

• Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues

• Exposure to AIM/plc work

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

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave (salary sacrifice)

• Employer pension contribution of 4%

• Death in service cover (3x annual salary)

• Birthday holiday (paid day off, taken within two weeks of your birthday)

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for you and household dependents aged 16+)

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle2Work scheme

• In-depth induction plan and structured training workshops

About Our Client

Our client is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester city centre, advising businesses and individuals across the North West and nationally. The firm is known for being commercial, connected and collaborative, with a strong focus on clear communication and long-term client relationships.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester City Centre

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported

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.

Commercial Property Solicitor (Investment Team)

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working)

Salary: £65,000 to £85,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 4+ years PQE (Commercial Property)

This is a brilliant opportunity for a Commercial Property Solicitor (4+ PQE) to join a rapidly growing Commercial Property department, sitting within the Investment team.

You will work on complex, high-value commercial property matters, supporting a broad client base and collaborating closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and corporate functions. The team is known for being experienced, agile and commercially minded, with a strong focus on delivering clear, practical advice.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on acquisitions and disposals, including investment and owner-occupation transactions

• Handling landlord and tenant matters and supporting estate and asset management work

• Supporting commercial and residential development projects, including associated real estate documentation

• Working alongside colleagues on planning and infrastructure related aspects of transactions (where relevant)

• Supporting finance-related property matters, including distressed market and restructuring-led work (where relevant)

• Working closely with colleagues across construction, tax and property litigation teams to provide joined-up advice

• Managing matters efficiently, keeping stakeholders updated and maintaining high standards of file management

• Building strong internal relationships and contributing to client relationship development

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE in commercial property

• Experience handling a range of commercial property matters, ideally with exposure to investment work

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with clients and colleagues

• A collaborative approach and confidence working as part of a wider transaction team

• Strong attention to detail and a practical, commercial mindset

Desirable

• Experience supporting high-value, complex transactions

• Exposure to development, finance, restructuring or construction-linked property work

• Interest in building longer-term client relationships and supporting business development

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave (salary sacrifice)

• Employer pension contribution of 4%

• Death in service cover (3x annual salary)

• Birthday holiday (paid day off, taken within two weeks of your birthday)

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for you and household dependents aged 16+)

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle2Work scheme

• In-depth induction plan and structured training workshops

About Our Client

Our client is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester city centre, advising businesses and individuals across the North West and nationally. The firm is known for being commercial, connected and collaborative, with a strong focus on clear communication and long-term client relationships.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester City Centre

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported

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.

Property Litigation Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working)

Salary: £85,000 to £105,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 8 years PQE (Property Litigation)

This is an excellent opportunity for a Property Litigation Solicitor (circa 8 PQE) to join a specialist property disputes team within a highly regarded commercial law firm in Manchester city centre.

You will advise a broad client base, including national and international organisations, on a wide range of commercial property disputes. The team is known for being practical, responsive and collaborative, with a strong focus on delivering clear advice and strong outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a varied caseload of property litigation matters, with appropriate support

• Advising on disputes relating to commercial property and mixed-use schemes

• Handling landlord and tenant disputes, including rent arrears, break notices, forfeiture and lease renewals

• Advising on service charge disputes and dilapidations claims

• Advising on Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 matters

• Supporting on insolvency-related property disputes and enforcement issues

• Advising on breaches of contract and professional negligence claims connected to property matters

• Handling possession claims, trespass and unlawful occupation matters

• Advising on party wall disputes

• Advising on overage and coverage disputes

• Supporting on repossessions and related recovery work

• Working closely with colleagues across real estate, corporate and insolvency teams to provide joined-up advice

• Contributing to client relationship development and business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with around 8 years’ PQE in property litigation

• Strong experience across commercial property disputes and landlord and tenant matters

• Confident communicator with a practical, solutions-focused approach

• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Collaborative working style and willingness to support wider team development

Desirable

• Experience advising national and/or international clients

• Experience with insolvency-related property disputes

• Interest in mentoring junior colleagues and supporting team growth

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy with flexible arrangements

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave (salary sacrifice)

• Employer pension contribution of 4%

• Death in service cover (3x annual salary)

• Birthday holiday (paid day off, taken within two weeks of your birthday)

• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for you and household dependents aged 16+)

• Employee healthcare cash plan (salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle2Work scheme

• In-depth induction plan and structured training workshops

About Our Client

Our client is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester city centre, advising businesses and individuals across the North West and nationally. The firm is known for being commercial, connected and collaborative, with a strong focus on clear communication and long-term client relationships.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester City Centre

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported

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.