Disputes Associate Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000

Experience: 2–5 years’ PQE

If you’re a disputes solicitor looking for high-quality commercial litigation, strong support and clear progression, this is a great opportunity to join a growing disputes team in Manchester City Centre.

You’ll work on complex, high-value matters across a broad spread of sectors, with the backing of a collaborative team and the platform to build a long-term disputes career.

The Opportunity

This role offers a varied caseload and the chance to take ownership of files, develop client relationships and broaden your experience across litigation and ADR.

• Handle a varied caseload of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, shareholder disputes, professional negligence and regulatory matters

• Manage your own files with appropriate supervision and support from senior lawyers

• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings and other complex documents, and help shape case strategy

• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations and court proceedings

• Build and maintain strong client relationships

• Contribute to business development and thought leadership activity

• Support and mentor junior team members

You may also gain exposure to disputes including contractual disputes, insolvency litigation, fraud claims, partnership disputes, construction disputes and regulatory investigations.

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 2–5 years’ PQE in commercial disputes and/or litigation

• Strong legal research and drafting skills

• Experience managing your own caseload with minimal supervision

• Commercial litigation experience, ideally with some exposure to High Court proceedings

• Excellent client care skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly

• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in business development

• Collaborative working style and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

• ADR experience (for example, mediation and/or arbitration)

• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional disputes

• Sector knowledge (for example, financial services, energy or construction)

• Experience with e-disclosure platforms and case management systems

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £85,000

• Performance-related bonus scheme

• Hybrid working model (up to two days per week working from home)

• Private medical insurance

• Pension contribution scheme

• Income protection and life assurance

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days

• Enhanced parental leave policies

• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing initiatives

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

• Active social calendar and firm-wide events

• Pro bono opportunities and community engagement

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training and development programme, with mentoring from senior lawyers

• Secondment opportunities with key clients

About Our Client

Our client is an international law firm with a strong presence in Yorkshire and a collaborative, people-focused culture. The Manchester team combines high-quality work with an environment that supports development and progression.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Hybrid working available, with flexibility to work from home up to two days per week.

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.

Managing Associate – Employment Law

Location: Leeds

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

If you’re a senior employment lawyer looking for a role with genuine breadth, strong client exposure and clear progression, this is an excellent opportunity to join a busy employment team in Leeds.

You’ll advise on a mix of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, build close client relationships, and play a key role in supporting and developing the wider team.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied work across advisory, projects and disputes, with the chance to take real ownership of matters and contribute to business development.

• Advise on the full range of employment law and HR support work (contentious and non-contentious)

• Handle complex tribunal litigation

• Advise on whistleblowing, business protection and sensitive HR issues

• Support on major projects such as outsourcing and restructuring exercises

• Build and maintain strong client relationships and act as a trusted adviser

• Contribute to business development and support the growth of client relationships

• Collaborate with colleagues across other practice areas on wider matters

• Mentor and support junior team members

• Use technology and process improvement to enhance client service

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE in employment law

• Strong technical knowledge across contentious and non-contentious employment matters

• Experience handling complex tribunal litigation

• Confident client relationship management skills and a commercial, pragmatic approach

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

• Collaborative working style and interest in mentoring and developing others

Desirable

• Experience advising on whistleblowing and business protection issues

• Experience supporting major projects (for example, outsourcing and restructuring)

• Sector experience (for example, financial services, retail and consumer, energy or transport)

• Experience working in a large, multi-office practice environment

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• Hybrid working model (minimum three days per week in the office)

• High-quality employment work with strong client exposure

• Supportive, collegiate team environment

• Clear progression pathway

• Training, mentoring and structured development support

• Opportunities to work collaboratively across practice areas

• Occasional travel to other UK offices as required

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong employment capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on a broad range of employment matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of three days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be 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. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Commercial Associate – Technology & Outsourcing

Location: Manchester

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000 plus bonus

Experience: 1+ years’ PQE

If you’re a commercial lawyer with IT, technology and outsourcing experience, this is a great opportunity to join a busy team in Manchester and develop your career on complex, high-value projects.

You’ll advise on a broad mix of technology, outsourcing and commercial contract work, with the support to take on increasing responsibility and build strong client relationships.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied, technically interesting work across technology and outsourcing, with scope to broaden your experience and progress.

• Advise on technology and outsourcing matters, including digital transformation projects

• Draft, negotiate and advise on cloud and SaaS arrangements

• Advise on IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and facilities management outsourcing

• Advise on technology licences and wider commercial contracts

• Support clients where digitalisation, outsourcing and regulatory change converge

• Manage your workload effectively, with appropriate support

• Build client relationships and advise internal and external stakeholders

• Support and mentor junior team members as you develop

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1+ years’ PQE (private practice and/or in-house)

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial law

• Experience in IT, technology and outsourcing

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail

• Confident stakeholder management and client relationship skills

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

Desirable

• Experience advising on transformation programmes

• Experience advising both private and public sector clients

• Exposure to cross-border matters and/or secondments

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £55,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality technology and outsourcing work with increasing responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong commercial capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex technology and outsourcing matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester.

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.

Commercial Associate – Technology & Outsourcing

Location: Leeds

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000 plus bonus

Experience: 1+ years’ PQE

If you’re a commercial lawyer with IT, technology and outsourcing experience, this is a great opportunity to join a busy team in Leeds and develop your career on complex, high-value projects.

You’ll advise on a broad mix of technology, outsourcing and commercial contract work, with the support to take on increasing responsibility and build strong client relationships.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied, technically interesting work across technology and outsourcing, with scope to broaden your experience and progress.

• Advise on technology and outsourcing matters, including digital transformation projects

• Draft, negotiate and advise on cloud and SaaS arrangements

• Advise on IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and facilities management outsourcing

• Advise on technology licences and wider commercial contracts

• Support clients where digitalisation, outsourcing and regulatory change converge

• Manage your workload effectively, with appropriate support

• Build client relationships and advise internal and external stakeholders

• Support and mentor junior team members as you develop

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1+ years’ PQE (private practice and/or in-house)

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial law

• Experience in IT, technology and outsourcing

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail

• Confident stakeholder management and client relationship skills

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

Desirable

• Experience advising on transformation programmes

• Experience advising both private and public sector clients

• Exposure to cross-border matters and/or secondments

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £55,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality technology and outsourcing work with increasing responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong commercial capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex technology and outsourcing matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds.

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.

Commercial Associate – Technology & Outsourcing

Location: Manchester

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE

If you’re a commercial lawyer with strong IT, technology and outsourcing experience, this is a great opportunity to join a busy team in Manchester and work on complex, high-value projects.

You’ll advise on a broad range of technology and outsourcing matters, take increasing responsibility for delivery, and build strong client relationships within a supportive, collaborative environment.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied, technically interesting work across technology, outsourcing and commercial contracts, with scope to lead workstreams and develop your profile.

• Advise on technology and outsourcing matters, including digital transformation projects

• Draft, negotiate and advise on cloud and SaaS arrangements

• Advise on IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and facilities management outsourcing

• Advise on technology licences and wider commercial contracts

• Support clients where digitalisation, outsourcing and regulatory change converge

• Lead workstreams and manage your workload effectively, with appropriate support

• Build client relationships and advise internal and external stakeholders

• Mentor and support junior team members

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3+ years’ PQE (private practice and/or in-house)

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial law

• Experience in IT, technology and outsourcing

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail

• Confident stakeholder management and client relationship skills

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

• Interest in mentoring and contributing to team development

Desirable

• Experience advising on large-scale transformation programmes

• Experience advising both private and public sector clients

• Experience with cross-border matters and/or secondments

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality technology and outsourcing work with strong responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong commercial capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex technology and outsourcing matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester.

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.

Commercial Associate – Technology & Outsourcing

Location: Leeds

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE

If you’re a commercial lawyer with strong IT, technology and outsourcing experience, this is a great opportunity to join a busy team in Leeds and work on complex, high-value projects.

You’ll advise on a broad range of technology and outsourcing matters, take increasing responsibility for delivery, and build strong client relationships within a supportive, collaborative environment.

The Opportunity

This role offers varied, technically interesting work across technology, outsourcing and commercial contracts, with scope to lead workstreams and develop your profile.

• Advise on technology and outsourcing matters, including digital transformation projects

• Draft, negotiate and advise on cloud and SaaS arrangements

• Advise on IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and facilities management outsourcing

• Advise on technology licences and wider commercial contracts

• Support clients where digitalisation, outsourcing and regulatory change converge

• Lead workstreams and manage your workload effectively, with appropriate support

• Build client relationships and advise internal and external stakeholders

• Mentor and support junior team members

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3+ years’ PQE (private practice and/or in-house)

• Strong technical knowledge of commercial law

• Experience in IT, technology and outsourcing

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail

• Confident stakeholder management and client relationship skills

• Able to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure

• Interest in mentoring and contributing to team development

Desirable

• Experience advising on large-scale transformation programmes

• Experience advising both private and public sector clients

• Experience with cross-border matters and/or secondments

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality technology and outsourcing work with strong responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong commercial capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex technology and outsourcing matters and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds.

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.

Planning Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE

If you’re an infrastructure consenting lawyer looking for high-quality work and real responsibility, this is a strong opportunity to join a planning and infrastructure consenting team in Manchester.

You’ll work on a varied pipeline of infrastructure matters, support clients through complex consenting processes, and develop your expertise within a collaborative, supportive environment.

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad mix of infrastructure consenting work, with scope to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and contribute to team growth.

• Advise on Development Consent Orders across the energy, transport and water sectors

• Advise on Transport and Works Act Orders for rail and light rail projects

• Support on harbour orders, marine licences and harbour works approvals

• Provide strategic advice on consents required for projects

• Advise on optioneering, route selection and consultation strategy

• Review application documents, including environmental statements

• Draft supporting documentation and assist with examinations and public inquiries

• Advise on land assembly strategy and compensation issues

• Support on public law issues relevant to infrastructure delivery

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3+ years’ PQE with relevant infrastructure consenting experience

• Strong technical knowledge of planning law and infrastructure consenting

• Experience advising on Development Consent Orders

• Experience with at least one of: Transport and Works Act Orders, harbour orders, marine licences, or harbour works approvals

• Confident drafting skills and strong attention to detail

• Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities

• Confident stakeholder management and a client-focused approach

• Commercial, pragmatic mindset and ability to remain calm under pressure

Desirable

• Experience advising both promoters and objectors

• Experience with hybrid Bills

• Experience advising on projects in energy, transport and/or utilities

• Experience supporting public inquiries and examinations

• Experience advising on land assembly and compensation

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality infrastructure consenting work with strong responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong planning and infrastructure capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex consenting mandates and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester.

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.

Planning Managing Associate

Location: Leeds

Salary: £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE

If you’re an infrastructure consenting lawyer looking for high-quality work and real responsibility, this is a strong opportunity to join a planning and infrastructure consenting team in Leeds.

You’ll work on a varied pipeline of infrastructure matters, support clients through complex consenting processes, and develop your expertise within a collaborative, supportive environment.

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad mix of infrastructure consenting work, with scope to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and contribute to team growth.

• Advise on Development Consent Orders across the energy, transport and water sectors

• Advise on Transport and Works Act Orders for rail and light rail projects

• Support on harbour orders, marine licences and harbour works approvals

• Provide strategic advice on consents required for projects

• Advise on optioneering, route selection and consultation strategy

• Review application documents, including environmental statements

• Draft supporting documentation and assist with examinations and public inquiries

• Advise on land assembly strategy and compensation issues

• Support on public law issues relevant to infrastructure delivery

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3+ years’ PQE with relevant infrastructure consenting experience

• Strong technical knowledge of planning law and infrastructure consenting

• Experience advising on Development Consent Orders

• Experience with at least one of: Transport and Works Act Orders, harbour orders, marine licences, or harbour works approvals

• Confident drafting skills and strong attention to detail

• Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities

• Confident stakeholder management and a client-focused approach

• Commercial, pragmatic mindset and ability to remain calm under pressure

Desirable

• Experience advising both promoters and objectors

• Experience with hybrid Bills

• Experience advising on projects in energy, transport and/or utilities

• Experience supporting public inquiries and examinations

• Experience advising on land assembly and compensation

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality infrastructure consenting work with strong responsibility

• Supportive environment with training, mentoring and structured development

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong planning and infrastructure capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on complex consenting mandates and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, solutions-led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds.

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.

Construction Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

Experience: 3–6 years’ PQE

If you’re a non-contentious construction lawyer looking for high-quality projects work and the chance to develop within a supportive team, this is a great opportunity to join a growing construction practice in Manchester.

You’ll work on a varied spread of matters across multiple sectors, with strong training, early responsibility and clear scope to build your long-term career.

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to a broad range of non-contentious construction work, with the chance to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and collaborate with colleagues across wider practice areas.

• Advise on non-contentious construction matters across a range of sectors

• Draft and negotiate construction contracts and related documentation (including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke forms)

• Advise on procurement strategies, including facilities management

• Support clients with dispute avoidance and risk management mechanisms

• Work closely with senior lawyers on complex projects and transactions

• Build client relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support wider team growth

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3–6 years’ PQE in non-contentious construction

• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and construction contracts

• Experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation

• Experience advising on procurement strategies and project delivery

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and commercial judgement

• Confident communication skills and a client-focused approach

• Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

• Experience across a range of sectors (for example, energy, infrastructure, transport or utilities)

• Experience working across both private and public sector projects

• Experience supporting wider real estate, banking and projects teams

• Experience working with a range of contract forms (including JCT, NEC and FIDIC)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality non-contentious construction work with early responsibility

• Supportive environment with strong training and development

• Mentoring, coaching and structured learning opportunities

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong construction capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on a broad range of projects and procurement work and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, commercial approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester.

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.

Construction Associate

Location: Leeds

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

Experience: 3–6 years’ PQE

If you’re a non-contentious construction lawyer looking for high-quality projects work and the chance to develop within a supportive team, this is a great opportunity to join a growing construction practice in Leeds.

You’ll work on a varied spread of matters across multiple sectors, with strong training, early responsibility and clear scope to build your long-term career.

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to a broad range of non-contentious construction work, with the chance to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and collaborate with colleagues across wider practice areas.

• Advise on non-contentious construction matters across a range of sectors

• Draft and negotiate construction contracts and related documentation (including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke forms)

• Advise on procurement strategies, including facilities management

• Support clients with dispute avoidance and risk management mechanisms

• Work closely with senior lawyers on complex projects and transactions

• Build client relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support wider team growth

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 3–6 years’ PQE in non-contentious construction

• Strong technical knowledge of construction law and construction contracts

• Experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation

• Experience advising on procurement strategies and project delivery

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and commercial judgement

• Confident communication skills and a client-focused approach

• Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

• Experience across a range of sectors (for example, energy, infrastructure, transport or utilities)

• Experience working across both private and public sector projects

• Experience supporting wider real estate, banking and projects teams

• Experience working with a range of contract forms (including JCT, NEC and FIDIC)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

• Bonus scheme

• High-quality non-contentious construction work with early responsibility

• Supportive environment with strong training and development

• Mentoring, coaching and structured learning opportunities

• Clear progression pathway

• Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong construction capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on a broad range of projects and procurement work and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, commercial approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds.

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.