Solicitor – Housing & Development

Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 + Bonus

Location: Manchester

Experience: 2+ years PQE, UK Practice

Shaping the Future of Housing Development

Our client is a leading UK law firm with a well-established reputation for guiding individuals and families through complex private wealth matters. Their Private Client team in Manchester supports a diverse range of high-net-worth clients on intricate estate planning, trusts, tax, and succession issues. The firm is known for delivering tailored solutions with a personal touch, combining technical excellence with a collaborative, client-focused approach. This is a senior opportunity to make a real impact, advising on challenging and rewarding matters within a supportive, nationally recognised team.

About the Role

• Advising on residential development, site acquisitions, disposals, and regeneration projects

• Acting for registered providers, developers, and local authorities

• Drafting and negotiating development agreements, collaboration agreements, and related contracts

• Managing due diligence, title reviews, and risk assessments

• Supporting project delivery and client relationships alongside senior colleagues

• Assisting in supervising and developing junior team members

About You – Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 2+ years’ PQE in residential development or housing

• Experience advising on site acquisitions, development agreements, and associated infrastructure matters

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and organisational skills

• Ability to manage transactions and maintain excellent client service

• Team player with a collaborative approach

About You – Desirable

• Experience acting for registered providers or local authorities

• Knowledge of regeneration and mixed-tenure developments

• Interest in affordable housing and community-focused projects

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary with annual bonus

• Career progression and professional development support

• Investors in People Gold-accredited firm, demonstrating a genuine commitment to colleague development and wellbeing

• Clear, structured pathways for career progression and leadership, with tailored training and mentoring at every stage

• Hybrid and flexible working model to support work-life balance

• Comprehensive wellbeing support, prioritising mental, physical, and financial health, and a dedicated focus on inclusion and belonging

• Collaborative, supportive culture where your ideas and contributions are truly valued

• Opportunities to work on impactful, high-profile cases with a diverse and ambitious client base

• Enhanced pension and private healthcare, plus a competitive annual bonus

• Regular team and social events, community engagement, and a strong sense of purpose beyond the day job

About Our Client

Location & Working Arrangements

Based in Manchester with flexible and hybrid working options available.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lee Hawthorne-Finch at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions (lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com / 0333 996 2882).

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and supporting candidates throughout every stage of the hiring process.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Southport (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Southport (other locations available)

• 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.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Manchester (other locations available)

• 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.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Lytham (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Lytham (other locations available)

• 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.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Lancaster (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Lancaster (other locations available)

• 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.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Kendal (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Kendal (other locations available)

• 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.

Senior Fee Earner - Agricultural Commercial Property

Location: Preston (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years PQE (Rural Property)

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Rural Property Solicitor (7+ PQE) to join a busy and growing Rural Property team within a well-established regional law firm.

The role has a strong emphasis on agricultural work and advising landowners, estate owners, investors, lenders and developers. You will take a lead on matters, support and develop colleagues, and play an active role in business planning and the continued growth of the rural offering.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the financial performance of your matters, including budgeting, billing and WIP management

• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships

• Advising on a broad range of rural land ownership and agricultural property matters, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of working farms and land

• Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs)

• Grazing licences

• Sporting rights and licences

• Easements and rights

• First registrations of unregistered land

• Security work (single and dual representation)

• Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation and producing clear, practical advice

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider firm, including tax and succession planning and property litigation teams

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior team members and supporting process improvement

• Contributing to business planning, business development and the strategic direction of the rural practice

• Using a case management system effectively and maintaining strong file management standards

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 7+ years’ PQE and proven rural property experience, with a strong emphasis on agricultural work

• Strong technical ability and confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy

• Excellent client-facing skills and a track record of delivering high-quality service

• Experience supervising, supporting and developing others

• Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

• Confident IT user, comfortable working with a case management system

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Desirable

• Strong business development capability and an established or developing network within the rural sector

• Interest in shaping processes and supporting the continued growth of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

• Supportive culture with genuine investment in development and progression

Location & Working Arrangements

• Preston (other locations available)

• 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: Kendal (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 4+ years PQE (Property Litigation)

This is an excellent opportunity for a Property Litigation Solicitor (4+ years’ PQE) to join a well-established and growing Land and Property Dispute Resolution team within a respected regional law firm.

You will handle a varied caseload spanning commercial and residential property disputes, with the support of experienced colleagues and a clear focus on high-quality client service. The team offers a collaborative culture, strong training, and the chance to build a long-term specialism in property litigation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing your own caseload under appropriate supervision

• Advising on a broad range of property disputes, including:

• Landlord and tenant matters (lease renewals, dilapidations, break clauses, forfeiture)

• Real property disputes (restrictive covenants, easements, rights of light)

• Trespass, possession and unlawful occupation matters

• Property contract claims and wider commercial disputes

• Professional negligence claims involving property professionals

• Drafting correspondence and court documents

• Liaising with the Court, instructing counsel and experts

• Attending hearings and meetings as required

• Supporting senior fee earners and contributing to team development

• Contributing to business development activity, with support at every level

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE and strong property litigation experience

• Experience across landlord and tenant disputes and real property issues

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and sound judgement

• Confident communicator with excellent client care skills

• Organised and able to plan workload effectively

Desirable

• Experience of professional negligence claims linked to property matters

• Interest in building a longer-term specialism in property litigation

• Willingness to contribute to business development and profile-raising

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Target of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

Location & Working Arrangements

• Preston or Kendal

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported, with travel between offices as required

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: Preston (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 4+ years PQE (Property Litigation)

This is an excellent opportunity for a Property Litigation Solicitor (4+ years’ PQE) to join a well-established and growing Land and Property Dispute Resolution team within a respected regional law firm.

You will handle a varied caseload spanning commercial and residential property disputes, with the support of experienced colleagues and a clear focus on high-quality client service. The team offers a collaborative culture, strong training, and the chance to build a long-term specialism in property litigation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing your own caseload under appropriate supervision

• Advising on a broad range of property disputes, including:

• Landlord and tenant matters (lease renewals, dilapidations, break clauses, forfeiture)

• Real property disputes (restrictive covenants, easements, rights of light)

• Trespass, possession and unlawful occupation matters

• Property contract claims and wider commercial disputes

• Professional negligence claims involving property professionals

• Drafting correspondence and court documents

• Liaising with the Court, instructing counsel and experts

• Attending hearings and meetings as required

• Supporting senior fee earners and contributing to team development

• Contributing to business development activity, with support at every level

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE and strong property litigation experience

• Experience across landlord and tenant disputes and real property issues

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and sound judgement

• Confident communicator with excellent client care skills

• Organised and able to plan workload effectively

Desirable

• Experience of professional negligence claims linked to property matters

• Interest in building a longer-term specialism in property litigation

• Willingness to contribute to business development and profile-raising

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working policy

• Target of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum

• Bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement that increases with length of service

• Two paid volunteering days per year

• Free conveyancing for your main home purchase or sale

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events and staff recognition initiatives

Location & Working Arrangements

• Preston or Kendal

• Full-time, permanent role

• Hybrid working supported, with travel between offices as required

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.

Employment Solicitor

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000

Location: Manchester

About Our Client

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of Employment Tribunal matters, predominantly Respondent work
• Provide timely analysis and strategic advice to business clients on complex employment matters
• Attend Employment Tribunals and represent clients through to conclusion
• Liaise with Counsel and expert witnesses on complex cases
• Ensure precise communication with all parties and timely progression of client queries

• Support senior fee earners on larger, complex matters
• Delegate work appropriately to and supervise junior fee earners
• Share expertise and ideas within the team to enhance service delivery
• Provide approachable guidance to colleagues across the firm
• Contribute to business development and identify new opportunities

• Develop and nurture client relationships within your team
• Identify opportunities to refer work internally to other service lines
• Contribute to individual and team target achievement

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with 5-10 years PQE in Employment Law
• Proven experience in business client/Respondent work, preferably within a commercial law firm
• Strong track record of handling Employment Tribunal matters through to conclusion, acting for Respondents
• Experience advising owners, senior managers, and HR teams on day-to-day employment and HR matters
• Proven ability in drafting and reviewing contracts, handbooks, and documentation for senior staff, Directors, and self-employed individuals
• Experience providing Corporate support work

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and case management abilities
• Client-focused approach with commercial awareness
• Ability to work collaboratively within teams and independently using own initiative
• Proven effective time management and organisational skills

Desirable Experience

• Active involvement in business development and marketing activities
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior fee earners
• Delivery of training on Employment Law and HR topics (in person or remotely)
• Experience with TUPE and restructuring matters

What's On Offer

• Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)
• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility to balance office and home working
• Genuine work-life balance in a firm that values employee wellbeing

• Clear progression pathway to Senior Associate and beyond
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities
• Mentoring and support from experienced practitioners
• Opportunity to develop your own client base and specialisms

• Top 100 Best Company to Work For (5 consecutive years)
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Progressive culture that challenges conventional law firm approaches
• Modern offices across the North West

Location & Working Arrangements

How to Apply