Residential Development Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000

Experience: 3 to 5 years PQE

If you are a development solicitor who enjoys land-led work, complex deals and working with high-calibre housebuilder clients, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy Manchester team with genuine long-term progression.

Our client is looking to appoint an Associate into their Residential Development team, focusing on land acquisition work for national and regional housebuilders and developers. You will be supported by a wider specialist group, but your day-to-day focus will be on the land side of residential development, with plenty of exposure to high-value, strategic transactions.

The Opportunity

This is a multi-faceted role with a varied mix of work, including:

• Complex and large-scale land acquisitions across England and Wales

• Development and collaboration agreements between developers

• Strategic options and conditional contracts

• Funding arrangements

• Disposals of serviced parcels

• Urban regeneration projects

You will be joining a large, well-resourced residential development group with specialist support across related areas, giving you the platform to focus on land acquisition work and develop depth in this space.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Running residential development and land acquisition matters from instruction through to completion

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating development documentation, including options, conditional contracts and collaboration agreements

• Advising clients on risk, strategy and deal structure, keeping matters commercially focused and moving forward

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider real estate and specialist teams to deliver a joined-up service

• Building strong client relationships through clear communication and practical advice

• Supporting business development through excellent service, repeat instructions and relationship building

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE in residential development, commercial development or land acquisition work

• Experience working with housebuilder clients is helpful, but not essential

• Strong drafting skills and confidence handling complex, document-heavy transactions

• A commercial mindset and practical approach to problem solving

• Strong client care and the ability to build trust with stakeholders

• A genuine interest in specialising further in residential development and land acquisition

What’s On Offer

• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Strong learning and development support, including structured training and access to wider learning platforms

• Comprehensive benefits package, including the option to buy additional annual leave

• Additional benefits available through retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• Clear long-term progression, with a strong track record of developing specialists into senior roles

Working Arrangements

Manchester-based role with hybrid working available. Flexible working patterns are supported.

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 are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Real Estate Dispute Resolution Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (preferred)

This is a great opportunity for a property litigation solicitor to join a specialist Real Estate Dispute Resolution team in Manchester, working on a broad mix of contentious property matters.

You’ll run your own caseload with appropriate supervision, support on more complex disputes and ADR, and build strong client relationships across a varied client base.

The Opportunity

• Advise on landlord and tenant disputes (including lease renewals, dilapidations and forfeiture)

• Handle development-related disputes (including rights of light, restrictive covenants and boundary issues)

• Manage possession claims and trespass actions

• Support property insolvency and enforcement work

• Draft pleadings, witness statements and instructions to counsel

• Attend hearings, mediations and client meetings

• Manage your own caseload with appropriate supervision

• Support senior colleagues on complex litigation and ADR matters

• Contribute to team training, knowledge sharing and mentoring junior team members

• Get involved in marketing and business development initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• Experience in contentious property / real estate dispute resolution

• Strong technical knowledge of real estate law and dispute resolution processes

• Experience of County Court and/or First-tier Tribunal proceedings

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Organised, methodical approach with strong attention to detail

• Commercial mindset and a collaborative working style

Desirable

• 2 to 5 years’ PQE in property litigation (or equivalent experience)

• Experience handling a broad range of landlord and tenant and development-related disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £65,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Manchester location

• Varied caseload across litigation and ADR

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

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

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist property disputes capability, known for straight-talking, commercially focused advice and a collaborative approach. The team acts for a broad range of clients including developers, investors, landlords, tenants and public sector bodies.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. 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.

Real Estate Partner

Location: Manchester

Salary: £110,000-170,000 depending on experience and interview performance. 

Experience: Partner level

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role within a well-established real estate practice with a strong regional focus and national reach.

You'll be a commercial real estate specialist with a proven track record in development and real estate investment work, and the ambition to grow a client base in Manchester and the wider North West. A portable following is important for this hire.

The Opportunity

• Lead and grow a commercial real estate practice in Manchester

• Advise on development and investment matters, working across a broad real estate offering

• Build and deepen client relationships, developing new work and expanding existing accounts

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across complementary practice areas

• Provide leadership, mentoring and support to lawyers within the team

• Play a visible role in business development, networking and market profile

What Were Looking For

Essential

• Partner-level commercial real estate experience

• Strong background in development and real estate investment work

• Demonstrable business development capability and a strong network

• A portable following (or a clear, credible plan to build one quickly)

• Proven leadership and team management experience

• Collaborative approach and strong commercial judgement

Desirable

• Experience working across a broad real estate platform (including landlord and tenant and mixed-use development)

• Track record of cross-selling and working closely with other practice areas

What's On Offer

• Market-leading remuneration + bonus (partner level)

• Manchester location

• A genuine leadership opportunity with scope to shape and grow the practice

• Strong national platform and cross-disciplinary support

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

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a well-regarded real estate practice advising on commercial development, investment and wider property matters. The team is known for its technical strength, commercial approach and collaborative culture.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. 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.

Residential Development Solicitor

Location: Leeds

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: Experienced residential development lawyer (PQE not specified)

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced residential development lawyer to join a busy, specialist team in Leeds, working at the heart of complex site set-up and infrastructure work for major residential schemes.

You’ll sit between land acquisition and plot sales, helping ensure matters transition smoothly and that infrastructure and statutory processes do not delay plot sales. If you enjoy stakeholder management, technical problem-solving and being close to the commercial drivers on a development, this role offers real variety and profile.

The Opportunity

• Advise on infrastructure agreements arising before and during site development

• Put in place legal arrangements enabling roads and utility services to be laid and adopted

• Help ensure statutory processes do not delay plot sales

• Negotiate agreements with multiple stakeholders to keep work progressing to the developer’s schedule

• Manage client relationships and keep clients regularly updated

• Work closely with internal colleagues across land acquisition and plot sales, identifying issues early and helping resolve them before they impact plot sales

• Liaise with external stakeholders including local authorities and project professionals as required

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong experience in residential development work, including plot sales and site set-up matters

• Confident drafting and negotiating infrastructure and development documentation

• Strong technical ability with a commercial, solutions-focused approach

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to keep matters moving to timetable

• Collaborative working style and confidence working across multiple internal teams

• Strong client care and communication

Desirable

• Experience advising on larger-scale residential schemes with multiple stakeholders

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

• Leeds location

• High-quality residential development work with a strong, repeat client base

• Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

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

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a specialist residential development capability advising across the full life cycle of new build housing, from acquisition and planning through to build-out and plot sales. The team works collaboratively across disciplines and offers a supportive environment with strong investment in development.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. 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.

Corporate Senior Associate

Location: Birmingham (hybrid working)

Salary: £85,000 to £105,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years PQE (Corporate)

If you’re a Corporate lawyer who enjoys getting close to transactions, taking real ownership, and building a profile in the Birmingham market, this is a strong opportunity to join a successful, supportive team with a clear progression path.

This is a key hire into a busy Corporate practice with a varied deal flow. You’ll be trusted to run matters, support on larger transactions alongside senior colleagues, and play an active role in mentoring junior lawyers and developing client relationships.

You will handle and support others on a broad mix of corporate work including M&A, private equity investments, exits and portfolio instructions, joint ventures, reorganisations and, where relevant, equity capital markets transactions. The team is growing and is looking for someone with the potential to become a long-term senior member of the group.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing and supporting on a range of corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity work

• Taking ownership of matters, running transaction processes and driving deals forward day to day

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating key corporate documents and ancillary paperwork

• Coordinating signing and completion, managing checklists and keeping stakeholders aligned

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider Corporate team to deliver joined-up advice

• Building strong relationships with clients and advisers, with support to develop your network locally

• Mentoring and developing junior lawyers, supporting a collaborative and high-performing team culture

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 5+ years PQE (or equivalent) in corporate law

• Broad corporate experience across M&A and related transactional work

• Confidence taking responsibility for matters, managing workstreams and supervising junior team members

• Strong technical ability with commercial judgement and a practical, solutions-led approach

• Clear communication style and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues

• Interest in business development and contributing to the continued growth of the practice

What’s On Offer

• Salary £85,000 to £105,000 plus bonus and benefits

• High-quality transactional work with early responsibility and partner support

• Hybrid working and a supportive, collaborative culture

• Structured career development and a transparent promotion process

• Business development coaching and support for future partnership ambitions

• Strong technical support, including a corporate PSL team and well-maintained precedent bank

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Enhanced annual leave (with the option to buy additional days)

• Pension

• Health and wellbeing support and employee assistance programme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Retail and lifestyle discounts

• Learning and development platform with funded training opportunities

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Birmingham, with hybrid working.

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.

Experienced Family Lawyer

Location: Solihull (hybrid working)

Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Experienced Family Lawyer (private family law)

If you’re a private family lawyer who enjoys running matters end-to-end, wants the autonomy to shape how a team operates, and is ready to step into a role with genuine progression, this is a brilliant opportunity.

Our client is a national high street law firm with a strong footprint across multiple locations and a sizeable legal team. They are looking to appoint an experienced Family Lawyer into their Solihull office, with a clear pathway to becoming Head of Department in a short timeframe.

This is a growth-focused hire. You will take ownership of a broad private family caseload and play a key role in building the practice across the wider office network. You do not need to bring a client following, but you will need the ambition and commercial drive to help grow the department over time.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a varied private family law caseload autonomously, from instruction through to conclusion

• Advising on divorce and separation matters

• Handling financial remedy work and negotiations

• Advising on private children matters

• Drafting and advising on cohabitation disputes and TOLATA claims

• Advising on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and separation agreements

• Handling protective injunctions where required

• Supporting business development activity to help grow the family practice across multiple locations

• Providing support and guidance to junior lawyers, helping develop capability and confidence within the team

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor, CILEX Lawyer or Chartered Legal Executive with strong private family law experience

• Confidence running matters autonomously with high standards of client care and accuracy

• Experience across a broad range of private family work (divorce, finances, children, TOLATA and agreements)

• A proactive, ambitious mindset and interest in helping build and grow a practice

• Ability to support and mentor junior lawyers

• Clear, practical communication style and a calm approach with clients

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits

• Clear progression pathway, with the opportunity to step into Head of Department quickly

• The backing of a national firm with an established presence and infrastructure

• Hybrid working (where applicable)

• Support to grow the practice across multiple locations

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role Solihull-based role with hybrid working (where applicable)

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.

Experienced Family Lawyer

Location: Tamworth (hybrid working)

Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Experienced Family Lawyer (private family law)

If you’re a private family lawyer who enjoys running matters end-to-end, wants the autonomy to shape how a team operates, and is ready to step into a role with genuine progression, this is a brilliant opportunity.

Our client is a national high street law firm with a strong footprint across multiple locations and a sizeable legal team. They are looking to appoint an experienced Family Lawyer into their Tamworth office, with a clear pathway to becoming Head of Department in a short timeframe.

This is a growth-focused hire. You will take ownership of a broad private family caseload and play a key role in building the practice across the wider office network. You do not need to bring a client following, but you will need the ambition and commercial drive to help grow the department over time.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a varied private family law caseload autonomously, from instruction through to conclusion

• Advising on divorce and separation matters

• Handling financial remedy work and negotiations

• Advising on private children matters

• Drafting and advising on cohabitation disputes and TOLATA claims

• Advising on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and separation agreements

• Handling protective injunctions where required

• Supporting business development activity to help grow the family practice across multiple locations

• Providing support and guidance to junior lawyers, helping develop capability and confidence within the team

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor, CILEX Lawyer or Chartered Legal Executive with strong private family law experience

• Confidence running matters autonomously with high standards of client care and accuracy

• Experience across a broad range of private family work (divorce, finances, children, TOLATA and agreements)

• A proactive, ambitious mindset and interest in helping build and grow a practice

• Ability to support and mentor junior lawyers

• Clear, practical communication style and a calm approach with clients

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits

• Clear progression pathway, with the opportunity to step into Head of Department quickly

• The backing of a national firm with an established presence and infrastructure

• Hybrid working (where applicable)

• Support to grow the practice across multiple locations

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role Tamworth-based role with hybrid working (where applicable)

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.

Wills and Probate Solicitor

Location: York

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000

Experience: 2+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Wills and Probate Solicitor into its York office. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious solicitor who wants to build their career within a developing firm, with the support of a Director and real scope to take ownership of a varied private client caseload.

You’ll be trusted to run matters end-to-end, deliver practical, commercial advice to clients, and play a genuine part in the growth of the department.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of Wills and Probate matters from initial instruction through to conclusion

• Advising on Wills, estate planning and related documentation

• Preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

• Handling Probate applications and estate administration

• Advising on deeds of variation

• Supporting on Court of Protection applications where required

• Taking responsibility for more complex or higher value matters as your experience develops

• Maintaining strong client relationships and helping to develop relationships with third party referrers

• Working closely with colleagues across other departments on joint matters and projects

• Keeping files and case management up to date in line with internal policies and procedures

• Staying current on relevant legislation and case law, and taking ownership of your CPD

• Supporting the introduction of new systems and working confidently with IT and case management tools

• Contributing to business development, marketing activity and the continued growth of the department

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 2+ years’ PQE in Wills and Probate / private client work (or equivalent experience)

• Confident managing files with minimal supervision, while knowing when to escalate

• Strong drafting skills and a practical, client-focused approach

• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Clear written and verbal communication

• A personable, diplomatic team player who builds trust with clients and colleagues

Desirable

• Experience handling more complex or higher value estates

• Interest in business development and building referrer relationships

• Relevant accreditations or panel memberships (or willingness to work towards them)

What’s On Offer

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

• Full-time preferred, with part-time considered for the right candidate

• Support and supervision from a Director, with genuine autonomy as you settle in

• A broad, interesting caseload with the chance to take on more complex work

• A collaborative environment with opportunities to work across departments

• The chance to play a real part in the growth and future development of the department

Working Arrangements

York office. Full-time preferred, part-time 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.

Commercial Property Solicitor

Location: York

Salary: £42,000 to £55,000

Experience: 2+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Commercial Property Solicitor into its York office.

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious solicitor who wants to build their career within a developing firm, with support from a Director and real scope to take ownership of a profitable caseload. You’ll provide practical, commercial advice to a varied client base and play a genuine part in the growth of the department.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of commercial property matters from initial instruction through to conclusion

• Handling freehold sales and purchases, transfers of property and refinance matters

• Advising on landlord and tenant matters, including drafting and negotiating leases

• Drafting and negotiating conditional contracts and development agreements, including overage agreements

• Drafting correspondence, reports and legal documentation

• Taking responsibility for more complex or higher value matters as your experience develops

• Maintaining strong client relationships and helping to develop relationships with third party referrers

• Keeping files and case management up to date in line with internal policies and procedures

• Staying current on relevant legal and procedural developments through training and research

• Working closely with colleagues across other departments on joint matters and projects

• Contributing to business development, marketing activity and the continued growth of the department

• Ensuring work is billed appropriately and supporting the recovery of billed costs

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 2+ years’ PQE in commercial property (or equivalent experience)

• Confident managing files with minimal supervision, while knowing when to escalate

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Clear written and verbal communication

• A personable, diplomatic team player who builds trust with clients and colleagues

Desirable

• Experience of development work (including conditional contracts and overage)

• Interest in business development and building referrer relationships

• Relevant accreditations or panel memberships (or willingness to work towards them)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £42,000 to £55,000 (depending on experience)

• Full-time preferred, with part-time considered for the right candidate

• Support and supervision from a Director, with genuine autonomy as you settle in

• A broad, interesting caseload with the chance to take on more complex work

• A collaborative environment with opportunities to work across departments

• The chance to play a real part in the growth and future development of the department

Working Arrangements

York office. Full-time preferred, part-time 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.

Property Litigation Solicitor

Location: York

Salary: £42,000 to £55,000

Experience: 2+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Property Litigation Solicitor into its York office.

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious litigator who wants to build their career within a developing firm, with support from a Director and real scope to take ownership of a profitable caseload. You’ll provide practical, commercially focused litigation advice and play a genuine part in the growth of the department.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of property litigation matters from initial instruction through to conclusion

• Advising landlords and tenants on a wide range of disputes

• Handling property contract disputes and related claims

• Advising on property insolvency issues where relevant

• Dealing with rights of way, adverse possession and restrictive covenant disputes

• Advising on dilapidations and related claims

• Drafting and serving statutory and contractual notices

• Drafting pleadings and witness statements, including in support of applications

• Drafting correspondence, reports and legal documentation

• Taking responsibility for more complex or higher value matters as your experience develops

• Maintaining strong client relationships and helping to develop relationships with third party referrers

• Keeping files and case management up to date in line with internal policies and procedures

• Staying current on relevant legal and procedural developments through training and research

• Working closely with colleagues across other departments on joint matters and projects

• Contributing to business development, marketing activity and the continued growth of the department

• Ensuring work is billed appropriately and supporting the recovery of billed costs

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 2+ years’ PQE in property litigation (or equivalent experience)

• Confident managing files with minimal supervision, while knowing when to escalate

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Clear written and verbal communication

• A personable, diplomatic team player who builds trust with clients and colleagues

Desirable

• Experience handling a broad range of property disputes, including rights of way, adverse possession and restrictive covenants

• Interest in business development and building referrer relationships

• Relevant accreditations or panel memberships (or willingness to work towards them)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £42,000 to £55,000 (depending on experience)

• Full-time preferred, with part-time considered for the right candidate

• Support and supervision from a Director, with genuine autonomy as you settle in

• A broad, interesting caseload with the chance to take on more complex work

• A collaborative environment with opportunities to work across departments

• The chance to play a real part in the growth and future development of the department

Working Arrangements

York office. Full-time preferred, part-time 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.