Employment Solicitor

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (Employment)

This is an excellent opportunity for an Employment Solicitor to join a busy Employment team in Manchester, with a strong mix of advisory and contentious work. You’ll run your own caseload, advise HR teams and business owners on complex employee relations issues, and play an active role in developing client relationships and growing your own practice.

The role will suit someone who enjoys Employment Tribunal work, is confident advising commercially, and is motivated by progression, with genuine scope for longer-term development.

You will advise on the full range of employment matters, with particular exposure to senior exits, TUPE and collective redundancies. You will also support on employment aspects of corporate transactions and work closely with colleagues across the wider firm.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing your own employment caseload from instruction through to conclusion

• Advising HR Managers and business owners on a broad range of employment law matters

• Supporting on senior exits, settlement negotiations, and sensitive workplace issues

• Advising on TUPE transfers and collective redundancy processes

• Handling Employment Tribunal litigation, including drafting pleadings, witness statements and preparing for hearings

• Supporting colleagues on employment input within corporate transactions

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, delivering excellent client care

• Contributing to business development activity and helping grow the employment offering in Manchester

• Maintaining accurate file management and working effectively within a case management system

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 2 to 5 years’ PQE in employment law

• Experience running your own caseload with appropriate autonomy

• Strong Employment Tribunal litigation experience

• Confident advisory skills, with a practical and commercial approach

• Excellent drafting, communication and negotiation skills

• Interest in business development and building a profile in the Manchester market

Desirable

• Experience advising on senior exits, TUPE and collective redundancies

• Experience supporting on employment aspects of corporate transactions

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (up to 2 days working from home)

• 27 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays)

• Firm-wide bonus scheme for fee earners

• Health cash plan – Paycare

• Pension plan (with salary sacrifice option)

• Cycle to work scheme (eligible after successful completion of probation)

• Access to a wellness web app – Leafyard

• Travel pass (eligible after successful completion of probation)

• Referral bonus (if you introduce someone into the business)

• Death in service benefit

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.

Senior Employment Solicitor

Location: Manchester

Career Level: Partner/Senior Associate 10+ PQE

Salary: £75,000 - £100,000 + Bonus

Lead and Grow a Thriving Employment Practice

Are you an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and develop an employment practice in Manchester? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded commercial law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Employment Solicitor at Partner or Senior Associate level to lead their employment offering in Manchester.

This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of a practice area, build your client base, and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of a forward-thinking firm. Whether you have an existing client following or a strong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area, this role offers the platform and support to build a successful and rewarding career.

For non-partners, there are excellent opportunities for promotion to partnership, making this an ideal role for ambitious solicitors looking to progress to the next level.

The Role

As a Senior Employment Solicitor, you will lead the employment offering in Manchester, managing your own diverse caseload whilst also taking on managerial responsibilities for junior members of the team. You'll report to the firm's Head of Employment but will have the autonomy to develop and grow the practice in the region.

You'll advise corporate clients on the full range of employment matters, from strategic HR advice to complex Employment Tribunal litigation. This is a client-facing role where your technical expertise, commercial acumen, and network will be key to attracting and retaining clients and developing the firm's reputation in the Manchester area.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the employment practice in Manchester and driving business development
• Managing a varied caseload of employment law matters, both advisory and contentious
• Advising HR teams and boards of corporate clients on employment law, HR policies, and strategic workforce matters
• Handling Employment Tribunal litigation including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and breach of contract claims
• Advising on complex employee relations issues, restructuring, redundancy, and settlement agreements
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships and delivering exceptional client service
• Attracting and retaining clients through business development and networking
• Building your network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area
• Supervising and mentoring junior members of the employment team
• Reporting to the firm's Head of Employment
• Playing an active role in the strategic development of the practice

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 10+ years' PQE (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Proven experience in both advisory employment work and Employment Tribunal litigation
• Demonstrable track record of advising HR teams and boards of corporate clients
• Strong technical knowledge across the full range of employment law matters
• Experience handling complex Employment Tribunal claims including discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and unfair dismissal
• Proven ability to attract and retain clients
• Excellent client care skills with a strong commercial approach
• Ambition and drive to lead and develop an employment practice
• Strong managerial and supervisory skills
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills

Highly Desirable:

• Existing client following
• Strong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area
• Business development experience and a proactive approach to generating new work
• Experience in a leadership or senior role within an employment team
• Experience advising on complex restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive matters

Key Attributes:

• Commercially astute with a pragmatic approach to employment matters
• Confident, personable, and able to build rapport with clients and contacts
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture
• Natural leader who can inspire and mentor junior team members
• Ambitious and motivated to progress to partnership (if not already at partner level)
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach to client matters

What's On Offer

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

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £75,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience and level)
• Firm-wide bonus scheme for all fee earners
• Excellent partnership opportunities for non-partners
• Hybrid working: up to 2 days per week home/remote working
• Comprehensive contractual benefits package
• Autonomy to lead and develop the employment practice in Manchester
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Modern, well-equipped offices in Manchester city centre
• Access to a strong network of business and professional contacts
• Opportunities to contribute to the strategic direction of the firm

About Our Client

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

The firm acts for a diverse client base including SMEs across multiple sectors, institutional clients in the financial sector (including asset finance and invoice finance), corporate clients, and insolvency practitioners. With a pragmatic, commercial approach and a commitment to delivering excellent client service, the firm has established itself as a trusted legal partner for businesses throughout the region.

The employment team advises corporate clients on the full spectrum of employment matters, from day-to-day HR advice and policy development to complex Employment Tribunal litigation, restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive matters. You'll be joining a dynamic, ambitious firm that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

The firm holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 accreditations, reflecting its commitment to quality and information security.

Location

This role is based at our client's Manchester office, located in the heart of the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with the flexibility of hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home).

How to Apply

If you're an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and grow a thriving practice in Manchester, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Litigation Associate (3–5 PQE)

Salary: £160,000–£190,000

Location: London

High-value international disputes + accelerated development

The Opportunity

What You’ll Be Doing

• Pre-action strategy and urgent applications, including injunctions (all types)
• Mediations and other forms of dispute resolution
• Drafting pleadings, applications and hearing materials
• Managing client and counterparty communications
• Running disclosure processes
• Conducting in-depth legal research to support case strategy
• Preparing witness and expert evidence
• Supporting trial preparation and broader litigation strategy
• Assisting on complex arbitrations

Key Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• 3–5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial litigation
• Experience handling complex disputes before courts, tribunals and/or arbitration panels
• Proven capability across core litigation tasks, including:
  • injunctions and mediations
  • drafting pleadings and applications
  • disclosure management
  • witness/expert evidence
  • trial preparation and case strategy
• Experience acting for both claimants and defendants
• Strong academics and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Background from a comparable law firm environment (preferred)

Desirable Experience

• Exposure to disputes involving copyright, data protection, defamation, privacy, and/or breach of confidence

Salary, Location & Working Arrangement

• Salary: £160,000–£190,000 (depending on experience)
• Location: London (office-based role with a professional, high-performance team environment)
• Working arrangements will be discussed based on team needs and candidate fit.

Benefits & Progression

• Accelerated professional development through close collaboration with senior lawyers
• High-quality, complex disputes work with meaningful responsibility
• Strong client exposure and the opportunity to build trusted-adviser credibility early
• A dynamic environment with high-performing, creative litigators and a strong litigation culture

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

Family Law Senior Associate | 4 Days Remote Working

Salary: c.£55,000-£75,000+  DOE/PQE/Qualification

Location:  Leeds

About the Role

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from instruction through to completion
• Providing expert legal advice to clients on all aspects of family law
• Conducting negotiations and representing clients in court proceedings
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development initiatives with full training and support
• Maintaining excellent client care standards throughout all matters

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years PQE in Family Law (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Proven experience managing a varied family law caseload
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable working in a paperless environment

• Experience with Leap case management system
• Interest in business development and client relationship building
• Ambition to progress within a supportive firm structure

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 4 days working from home as standard
• 1 day office attendance (with flexibility to reduce to once every 2 weeks once settled)
• Flexitime available after successful probation period
• Part-time options considered (3-4 days per week)
• Established remote working culture since 2019—this is permanent, not temporary

• Mentored case exposure—when assigned cases outside your comfort zone, you'll be paired with an experienced colleague to support your development rather than being removed from the matter
• Sales and Business Development training provided to help grow your client portfolio
• Clear career progression pathway with genuine growth opportunities
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and development

• Fully paperless practice using Leap case management system
• Modern technology infrastructure supporting remote working
• Efficient systems allowing you to work effectively from anywhere

• This role is based in Leeds, with additional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, and London

Why Join Our Client?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Family Law Senior Associate | 4 Days Remote Working

Salary: c.£55,000-£75,000+  DOE/PQE/Qualification

Location:  Manchester

About the Role

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from instruction through to completion
• Providing expert legal advice to clients on all aspects of family law
• Conducting negotiations and representing clients in court proceedings
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development initiatives with full training and support
• Maintaining excellent client care standards throughout all matters

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years PQE in Family Law (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Proven experience managing a varied family law caseload
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable working in a paperless environment

• Experience with Leap case management system
• Interest in business development and client relationship building
• Ambition to progress within a supportive firm structure

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 4 days working from home as standard
• 1 day office attendance (with flexibility to reduce to once every 2 weeks once settled)
• Flexitime available after successful probation period
• Part-time options considered (3-4 days per week)
• Established remote working culture since 2019—this is permanent, not temporary

• Mentored case exposure—when assigned cases outside your comfort zone, you'll be paired with an experienced colleague to support your development rather than being removed from the matter
• Sales and Business Development training provided to help grow your client portfolio
• Clear career progression pathway with genuine growth opportunities
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and development

• Fully paperless practice using Leap case management system
• Modern technology infrastructure supporting remote working
• Efficient systems allowing you to work effectively from anywhere

• This role is based in Manchester, with additional offices in London, Birmingham, and Leeds

Why Join Our Client?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Family Law Senior Associate | 4 Days Remote Working

Salary: c.£55,000-£75,000+  DOE/PQE/Qualification

Location:  Altrincham

About the Role

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from instruction through to completion
• Providing expert legal advice to clients on all aspects of family law
• Conducting negotiations and representing clients in court proceedings
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development initiatives with full training and support
• Maintaining excellent client care standards throughout all matters

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years PQE in Family Law (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Proven experience managing a varied family law caseload
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable working in a paperless environment

• Experience with Leap case management system
• Interest in business development and client relationship building
• Ambition to progress within a supportive firm structure

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 4 days working from home as standard
• 1 day office attendance (with flexibility to reduce to once every 2 weeks once settled)
• Flexitime available after successful probation period
• Part-time options considered (3-4 days per week)
• Established remote working culture since 2019—this is permanent, not temporary

• Mentored case exposure—when assigned cases outside your comfort zone, you'll be paired with an experienced colleague to support your development rather than being removed from the matter
• Sales and Business Development training provided to help grow your client portfolio
• Clear career progression pathway with genuine growth opportunities
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and development

• Fully paperless practice using Leap case management system
• Modern technology infrastructure supporting remote working
• Efficient systems allowing you to work effectively from anywhere

• This role is based in Altrincham, with additional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and London

Why Join Our Client?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Family Law Senior Associate | 4 Days Remote Working

Salary: c.£55,000-£75,000+  DOE/PQE/Qualification

Location:  Chester

About the Role

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from instruction through to completion
• Providing expert legal advice to clients on all aspects of family law
• Conducting negotiations and representing clients in court proceedings
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development initiatives with full training and support
• Maintaining excellent client care standards throughout all matters

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years PQE in Family Law (or equivalent experience)
• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Proven experience managing a varied family law caseload
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success
• Comfortable working in a paperless environment

• Experience with Leap case management system
• Interest in business development and client relationship building
• Ambition to progress within a supportive firm structure

Exceptional Benefits Package

• 4 days working from home as standard
• 1 day office attendance (with flexibility to reduce to once every 2 weeks once settled)
• Flexitime available after successful probation period
• Part-time options considered (3-4 days per week)
• Established remote working culture since 2019—this is permanent, not temporary

• Mentored case exposure—when assigned cases outside your comfort zone, you'll be paired with an experienced colleague to support your development rather than being removed from the matter
• Sales and Business Development training provided to help grow your client portfolio
• Clear career progression pathway with genuine growth opportunities
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and development

• Fully paperless practice using Leap case management system
• Modern technology infrastructure supporting remote working
• Efficient systems allowing you to work effectively from anywhere

• This role is based in Chester, with additional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and London

Why Join Our Client?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Restructuring Legal Director

Location: Manchester

Salary: £95,000 to £130,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: Senior level (Legal Director)

This is a standout opportunity for a senior restructuring lawyer to join a national team in Manchester and play a key role in growing a transactional and advisory-focused restructuring practice.

You’ll take ownership of complex mandates, work closely with colleagues nationally, and help shape the future direction of the Manchester offering. If you’re ambitious, commercially minded and enjoy being a visible, senior adviser to clients, this role offers genuine platform and progression.

The Opportunity

• Lead on complex transactional and corporate advisory restructuring work

• Project manage multi-stakeholder work-outs and financial or operational restructurings

• Advise boards, executive teams, insolvency practitioners and lender-side clients

• Support a broad client base including secured creditors, asset-based lenders, invoice discounters, financial institutions and restructuring professionals

• Supervise, develop and mentor junior lawyers, building capability within the team

• Contribute to business development and help shape the team’s market presence

• Work collaboratively with colleagues nationally across corporate, disputes and recoveries to deliver integrated solutions

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong, established experience in restructuring and advisory work

• Confident operating as a senior, visible member of a team and trusted adviser to clients

• Experience supervising and developing junior colleagues

• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to manage complex, high-stakes matters

• Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

• A proactive approach and genuine interest in helping grow a practice

Desirable

• Experience advising a mix of lender-side, board-level and restructuring professional clients

• Track record of business development or a clear appetite to build this capability

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £130,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• National platform with high-quality work and a broad client base

• Clear progression pathway, including partnership for those with the ambition and capability

• Strong learning and development support, coaching and structured feedback

• Comprehensive benefits package (including options around annual leave, pension, wellbeing support and additional flexible benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a forward-thinking national law firm with a strong restructuring capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises across the full spectrum of financial and organisational restructuring, combining transactional solutions, corporate workout and contentious expertise. The firm is known for straight-talking, commercial advice and invests heavily in developing and retaining leading talent.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Flexible working patterns 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.

Patents Associate / Senior Associate

Location: Leeds 

Salary: £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ post-qualification experience

This is an excellent opportunity for a UK and European Patent Attorney to join a growing patents and trade marks practice in Leeds.

If you have a background in electronics and software and enjoy direct client work, you’ll take over a small existing client base while being supported to grow your own practice and, over time, build a team. The role offers strong long-term progression, including a clear route to partnership for the right person.

The Opportunity

• Draft new patent applications

• Prosecute UK and European patent applications, and manage overseas filings via associates

• Handle freedom-to-operate reviews and provide associated opinions and advice

• Support clients with portfolio management and development of in-house IP processes

• Act for both direct clients (often UK-based) and overseas associate clients

• Work collaboratively with wider professional services colleagues to deliver joined-up support

• Contribute to business development, networking and pitching to new clients

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney

• 5+ years’ post-qualification experience

• Technical background in electronics and software

• Strong direct client experience, including drafting new applications

• Excellent client communication and portfolio management skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• High level of professionalism and integrity

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable

• Ability to handle a broader range of subject matter, including mechanical

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Hybrid working (home and office)

• Support to develop and grow your own practice

• Clear pathway for progression, including partnership potential

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a specialist patent and trade mark attorney firm with a strong reputation for helping businesses protect, manage and maximise the value of their intellectual property. The firm works with clients ranging from start-ups and SMEs through to established manufacturers, and also represents overseas associate clients in the UK and Europe.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working available.

Next Steps

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

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Patents Associate / Senior Associate

Location: Manchester 

Salary: £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ post-qualification experience

This is an excellent opportunity for a UK and European Patent Attorney to join a growing patents and trade marks practice in Manchester.

If you have a background in electronics and software and enjoy direct client work, you’ll take over a small existing client base while being supported to grow your own practice and, over time, build a team. The role offers strong long-term progression, including a clear route to partnership for the right person.

The Opportunity

• Draft new patent applications

• Prosecute UK and European patent applications, and manage overseas filings via associates

• Handle freedom-to-operate reviews and provide associated opinions and advice

• Support clients with portfolio management and development of in-house IP processes

• Act for both direct clients (often UK-based) and overseas associate clients

• Work collaboratively with wider professional services colleagues to deliver joined-up support

• Contribute to business development, networking and pitching to new clients

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified as a UK and European Patent Attorney

• 5+ years’ post-qualification experience

• Technical background in electronics and software

• Strong direct client experience, including drafting new applications

• Excellent client communication and portfolio management skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• High level of professionalism and integrity

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable

• Ability to handle a broader range of subject matter, including mechanical

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Hybrid working (home and office)

• Support to develop and grow your own practice

• Clear pathway for progression, including partnership potential

• Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

About Our Client

Our client is a specialist patent and trade mark attorney firm with a strong reputation for helping businesses protect, manage and maximise the value of their intellectual property. The firm works with clients ranging from start-ups and SMEs through to established manufacturers, and also represents overseas associate clients in the UK and Europe.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Hybrid working available.

Next Steps

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

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.