Senior Reporting Officer (SRO) – CQS

Salary: c.£60,000 + bonus

Location: London City Centre

Lead CQS compliance for a growing conveyancing team

The Role: What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading the firm’s CQS compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and controls
• Acting as the senior point of contact for CQS-related governance and internal reporting
• Coordinating CQS renewal activity, evidence gathering, and ongoing readiness
• Delivering and overseeing file reviews and audits, identifying trends and implementing improvements
• Supporting the business with risk management, including issue escalation and remediation planning
• Driving training and awareness across the conveyancing team to maintain consistent standards
• Working closely with senior leadership to ensure CQS aligns with wider compliance and operational priorities

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years’ UK conveyancing experience (fee-earning, compliance, or operational leadership), with strong exposure to CQS standards
• Proven experience acting as CQS SRO or as a senior lead supporting CQS compliance (highly desirable)
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • CQS Protocol and CPMS
  • File auditing and quality assurance
  • Risk controls, process improvement, and compliance reporting
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and implement change across a team
• A structured, detail-focused approach with strong written communication skills

Working arrangements and location

• London-based role 
• Hybrid working available, depending on business needs and seniority
• Full-time position, with flexibility where appropriate for the right person

Salary and benefits

• £60,000 base salary (dependent on experience and scope of remit)
• Bonus (where applicable)
• Hybrid working
• 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays (typical for level, confirmed at offer stage)
• Pension contribution
• Professional development support, including CQS-related training and compliance CPD
• Clear opportunity to broaden remit into wider compliance/operations leadership as the team grows

Career progression

• Head of Conveyancing Operations / Practice Governance
• Wider compliance leadership (depending on existing structure, e.g., supporting COLP/COFA functions)
• Strategic ownership of firm-wide quality and risk initiatives tied to growth plans

Apply / enquire

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

Employment Solicitor

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: £48,000–£60,000 DOE | Career Progression & Comprehensive Benefits

Stand Out as an Employment Law Specialist – Join a Leading Team in Chelmsford

Are you an ambitious Employment Solicitor seeking a role where your expertise is valued, and your career can flourish?

Our client, a highly regarded law firm in Chelmsford, offers you the chance to work alongside respected leaders, manage a diverse caseload, and enjoy a supportive, collaborative culture with real progression opportunities.

Your Role: Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Advise individuals and businesses on a broad range of employment law matters

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and referrers

• Solve complex employment law issues for individuals and SMEs, ensuring best legal outcomes

• Draft, review, and update employment contracts, policies, and procedures

• Provide ongoing HR and legal support to business clients

• Work collaboratively to achieve team targets and drive business growth

What We’re Looking For: Key Requirements

To excel in this role, you will have:

• A minimum of 2 years’ PQE as a Solicitor

• Recent, relevant UK Employment Law experience

• Strong technical skills in employment contracts, dispute resolution, and HR advisory

• Excellent client care, communication, and organisational skills

• A proactive, ethical, and team-oriented approach

• A drive for continuous professional development

Benefits & Perks

Enjoy a comprehensive package including:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

• Competitive salary: £48,000–£60,000 DOE

• Pension scheme

• Health cash plan

• Professional training and personal development support

• Discounted parking

• Christmas/New Year office closure

• Regular team socials and events

• A friendly, inclusive office environment

Career Progression & Support

• Structured progression pathways and increasing responsibility

• Ongoing training and senior mentorship

• Support for further professional qualifications

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based in modern Chelmsford offices with flexible/hybrid working options

How to Apply

Ready to make your mark in employment law? For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact David at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com . Please submit your CV and a brief summary of your experience.

All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Employment Solicitor

Location: Leigh-on-Sea

Salary: £48,000–£60,000 DOE | Flexible Working & Genuine Career Growth

Make a Real Impact as an Employment Solicitor in Leigh-on-Sea

Are you looking for a fresh challenge in employment law where you can take on real responsibility, work closely with business leaders, and help shape the future of a thriving legal team? Our client, a respected law firm in Leigh-on-Sea, is seeking a driven Employment Solicitor to join their expanding office. You'll play a vital part in delivering strategic advice to a diverse client base and have the autonomy to develop your specialism in a supportive, collaborative setting.

The Opportunity: Your Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Advise a broad range of clients, from individuals to local businesses and SMEs, on all aspects of employment law

• Deliver practical, commercially focused solutions to complex workplace issues

• Draft, review, and update employment contracts, staff handbooks, and HR policies

• Represent clients in negotiations and dispute resolution matters

• Proactively build relationships with new and existing clients and local referrers

• Contribute to business development and raise the profile of the Employment team in Leigh-on-Sea

What We’re Looking For: Key Requirements

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• At least 2 years’ PQE as a Solicitor with UK Employment Law experience

• Solid technical knowledge of contracts, policies, dispute resolution, and HR advisory

• Excellent communication, client care, and organisational skills

• The ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team

• A genuine interest in growing your career and the firm’s presence in the region

Benefits & Perks

You can expect:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

• Competitive salary: £48,000–£60,000 DOE

• Pension scheme

• Health cash plan

• Ongoing professional training and personal development support

• Discounted parking

• Christmas/New Year office closure

• Regular team socials and a positive, inclusive culture

Career Progression & Support

• Clear progression opportunities and increasing responsibility as the Leigh-on-Sea office grows

• Senior mentorship and support for further qualifications

• Autonomy to develop your employment law specialism

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based in modern Leigh-on-Sea offices with flexible/hybrid working options

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your employment law career? For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact David at d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com . Please submit your CV and a brief summary of your experience.

All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

NQ Private Client Solicitor (0–1 PQE) 

Salary: £38,000–£48,000

Location: Chelmsford area | Supportive team, structured development and high-quality work

The Role: Private Client (NQ–1 PQE)

Key responsibilities

• Managing a mixed caseload including Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection
• Meeting clients in person and remotely, ensuring a calm, supportive and professional experience
• Providing clear, practical and sensitive advice tailored to each client’s circumstances
• Drafting legal documents with accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Maintaining excellent file management and ensuring SRA compliance throughout
• Working collaboratively with the wider team to contribute to monthly targets and service standards
• Supporting the continued growth of the practice through strong client relationships and proactive engagement

What our client is looking for

Essential requirements

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or due to qualify imminently
• 0–1 years’ PQE (newly qualified level)
• UK Private Client experience gained through a training seat and/or post-qualification work
• Confidence handling matters across Wills, Probate and LPAs (Court of Protection exposure beneficial)
• Excellent client care with the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively
• Strong organisation, file management and attention to detail
• A collaborative approach and a calm, professional manner

Desirable (nice to have)

• Experience with Court of Protection work
• Exposure to business development, networking or relationship-led client growth

Location and working arrangements

• Chelmsford area (office-based client meetings form part of the role)
• Hybrid working may be available depending on experience and team requirements (to be confirmed at interview)

Salary and benefits

Salary

• £38,000–£48,000 (dependent on experience and fit)

Benefits package

• Ongoing professional training and development
• Medicash (health, dental and eye care)
• 26 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Annual leave loyalty scheme
• Office closed between Christmas and New Year
• Discounted parking (Chelmsford)
• Staff referral scheme
• Team events and get-togethers
• Free fruit in the office
• Dress down Fridays

Career progression

Apply / enquire (confidential)

Commercial Property Solicitor (3+ PQE)

Salary: £55,000–£75,000 + DOE

Location: Chelmsford area | Hybrid working + 26 days’ holiday

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities (What you’ll be doing)

• Managing a varied commercial property caseload, including:
  • Sales and purchases of commercial property
  • Commercial leases (acting for both landlord and tenant)
  • Surrenders and assignments (acting for both landlord and tenant)
  • SIPP purchases with leasebacks
  • Option agreements (acting for both owner and developer)
  • Residential lease extensions and collective enfranchisement (as required)
• Building strong relationships with new and existing clients, with a focus on service and repeat work
• Supporting business development activity and spotting opportunities in the local market
• Working closely with colleagues to achieve monthly targets and KPIs

About You (Requirements)

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• 3+ years’ PQE with strong UK commercial property experience (private practice)
• Confidence handling matters with appropriate supervision, and the judgement to escalate when needed
• Strong drafting and technical capability across leases and transactional work
• A client-first approach, with the communication skills to explain issues clearly and commercially
• A positive, team-oriented mindset with ambition to grow with the department

What’s on Offer (Benefits)

• £55,000–£75,000 salary (dependent on experience) plus bonus potential
• Hybrid and flexible working (role-dependent, discussed at interview)
• 26 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Annual leave loyalty scheme
• Closed between Christmas and New Year
• Medicash (health, dental and eyecare)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Team events and socials
• Staff referral scheme
• Dress down Fridays

Career Progression

Apply / Next Steps

Private Client Senior Lawyer

Location: Pocklington (hybrid working supported)

Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 plus bonus (depending on experience)

Experience: Ideally 6+ years’ PQE (Private Client)

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join a well-established and highly regarded Private Client team, supporting the continued development of the department while running your own varied caseload.

You’ll join one of the largest Private Client teams in the region, advising a broad client base including high net worth individuals. The team is known for high-quality work, strong client relationships, and a significant volume of repeat business and personal recommendations.

What You’ll Be Doing

You can shape the role around your strengths, but the work will typically include:

• Estate planning

• Drafting Wills

• Non-contentious probate and estate administration

• Trust administration

• Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Inheritance Act claims

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong, broad Private Client experience with confidence managing matters end-to-end

• Ideally around 6+ years’ PQE (or equivalent experience)

• Excellent client care and the ability to build trusted relationships

• Clear, practical communication style and strong attention to detail

• A positive, commercial approach to delivering advice

Desirable

• Exposure to more complex private client matters

• Experience contributing to business development and marketing activity

• Interest in supporting the growth and development of a wider team

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary and generous bonus scheme

• Realistic targets

• Flexible hours and hybrid working

• Split base between Pocklington and York city centre offices

• Clear progression framework with individual development plans

• Wellbeing support

• Strong benefits package including pension, life cover, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, health cash plan, staff discounts, competitive holiday entitlement, birthday day off, and Cycle to Work scheme

• Friendly, supportive culture and an active social calendar

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation for private client work and a genuinely supportive culture. The firm places real value on work-life balance and provides a collaborative environment where people can build long-term careers.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Pocklington (with occasional travel)

• Hybrid working supported

• Flexible working hours

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.

Private Client Senior Lawyer

Location: York (hybrid working supported)

Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 plus bonus (depending on experience)

Experience: Ideally 6+ years’ PQE (Private Client)

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join a well-established and highly regarded Private Client team, supporting the continued development of the department while running your own varied caseload.

You’ll join one of the largest Private Client teams in the region, advising a broad client base including high net worth individuals. The team is known for high-quality work, strong client relationships, and a significant volume of repeat business and personal recommendations.

What You’ll Be Doing

You can shape the role around your strengths, but the work will typically include:

• Estate planning

• Drafting Wills

• Non-contentious probate and estate administration

• Trust administration

• Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Inheritance Act claims

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong, broad Private Client experience with confidence managing matters end-to-end

• Ideally around 6+ years’ PQE (or equivalent experience)

• Excellent client care and the ability to build trusted relationships

• Clear, practical communication style and strong attention to detail

• A positive, commercial approach to delivering advice

Desirable

• Exposure to more complex private client matters

• Experience contributing to business development and marketing activity

• Interest in supporting the growth and development of a wider team

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary and generous bonus scheme

• Realistic targets

• Flexible hours and hybrid working

• Split base between Pocklington and York city centre offices

• Clear progression framework with individual development plans

• Wellbeing support

• Strong benefits package including pension, life cover, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, health cash plan, staff discounts, competitive holiday entitlement, birthday day off, and Cycle to Work scheme

• Friendly, supportive culture and an active social calendar

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation for private client work and a genuinely supportive culture. The firm places real value on work-life balance and provides a collaborative environment where people can build long-term careers.

Location & Working Arrangements

• York (with occasional travel)

• Hybrid working supported

• Flexible working hours

Next Steps

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

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Residential Property Lawyer (Conveyancing)

Location: East Yorkshire

Salary: £40,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: Experienced Residential Property Lawyer (qualified or equivalent experience)

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Residential Property Lawyer to join a well-established Yorkshire law firm with multiple offices across the region. You’ll manage a varied conveyancing caseload with a high level of autonomy, supported by established systems and a collaborative team, alongside flexible working hours and genuine business development opportunities.

The Opportunity

• Run your own residential conveyancing caseload from instruction through to completion with a high level of autonomy

• Handle a broad mix of matters including freehold, leasehold and new build transactions

• Manage remortgages, transfers of equity and more complex residential property work as required

• Deliver excellent client care and build strong relationships throughout the transaction process

• Network with local estate agents and develop referral relationships to support team growth

• Work efficiently and accurately, maintaining high standards across all files

• Collaborate with colleagues within a supportive conveyancing department with established processes

• Keep up to date with developments in residential property law and conveyancing practice

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong residential conveyancing experience with the ability to manage a caseload independently

• Strong technical knowledge of residential property law and conveyancing procedures

• Excellent client care skills and confidence building trusted relationships

• Organised, detail-focused and comfortable managing deadlines

• Self-motivated, with a proactive approach and pride in end-to-end case management

• Team player who will fit well within a supportive culture

Desirable

• Interest in business development and networking with local professionals

• Experience handling more complex residential conveyancing matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

• Multiple office locations across Yorkshire

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance

• High level of autonomy over your caseload

• Strong existing referral relationships and steady workflow

• Supportive team environment with established systems and processes

• Professional development opportunities within a successful practice

• Recognition and reward for contribution to team success

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with multiple offices across the region, providing legal services to individuals and businesses. They are known for a client-focused approach, supportive culture, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance, with a strong reputation for residential conveyancing across Yorkshire.

Location & Working Arrangements

Yorkshire, with multiple office locations. Flexible working hours are 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.

Clinical Negligence Lawyer

Location: Clifton Moor, York

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent experience)

This is an excellent opportunity for a Clinical Negligence Lawyer to join a well-established claimant team based at Clifton Moor, managing a varied and interesting caseload of medical negligence and catastrophic injury claims.

You’ll advise clients through every stage of the claim, working on matters including spinal cord and brain injuries, cerebral palsy, fatal accidents, and claims against hospitals and other healthcare providers. The team offers flexible working hours and hybrid working, with a strong focus on work-life balance.

The Opportunity

• Manage a caseload of claimant clinical negligence matters from initial instruction through to settlement or trial

• Review and analyse medical records and other key evidence

• Obtain and prepare witness statements

• Instruct counsel and medical experts, and liaise effectively throughout the life of the claim

• Draft and issue proceedings where required

• Negotiate settlements and deliver pragmatic, commercially aware advice

• Provide empathetic, high-quality client care, particularly for vulnerable clients and sensitive matters

• Contribute to business development and marketing activity, as appropriate for your level

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive, or equivalent claimant lawyer

• Solid personal injury background, ideally 1 to 5 years’ PQE, with some clinical negligence exposure

• Confident handling medical negligence files with appropriate supervision

• Strong client care skills, with an empathetic and professional approach

• Clear, confident communication and the ability to build rapport quickly

• Organised and detail-focused, able to manage deadlines and competing priorities

• Positive, commercial approach to delivering advice

Desirable

• Experience of catastrophic injury claims (for example, brain injury, spinal injury, cerebral palsy, fatal accidents)

• Experience of supporting or leading business development and marketing initiatives

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £55,000 (dependent on experience)

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working pattern

• Clear progression framework with individual career and development plans

• Wellbeing support

• Free car parking at the office

• A great social scene

• Benefits including pension, life cover, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, health cash plan, staff discounts, competitive holiday allowance (plus a day off for your birthday), and a cycle to work scheme

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established regional law firm with a strong presence across North and East Yorkshire. They are known for delivering high-quality advice to individuals and families, with a supportive culture that values doing the right thing for clients while protecting work-life balance for their teams.

Location & Working Arrangements

York (not city centre). Hybrid working is available, and flexibility on working hours can be accommodated.

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.