Knowledge Lawyer (Real Estate Disputes)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £80,000 to £105,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

If you’re a Real Estate Disputes lawyer who enjoys being the person others turn to for technical clarity, practical solutions and market insight, this is a rare opportunity to step into a central Knowledge Lawyer role within a high-performing contentious real estate team.

Our client is seeking an ambitious Knowledge Lawyer to support its Real Estate Disputes practice as part of a wider growth strategy. You’ll play a key role in developing, curating and sharing know-how, helping the team deliver high-quality, consistent advice on high-value, high-profile and often complex real estate litigation.

You’ll work closely with partners and fee earners to keep lawyers and clients ahead of legal and market developments in contentious property. The team acts for a broad client base including landlords, tenants, developers, investors, corporate occupiers, banks and other financial institutions, insolvency practitioners and professional advisers.

This is a stable, collegiate and ambitious team that values collaboration and knowledge sharing. You’ll also be part of a wider Knowledge Lawyer community, working alongside other Knowledge Lawyers across Real Estate and the firm to support a consistent, innovative and technology-enabled approach to knowledge management.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing expert advisory support on complex real estate disputes and civil procedure issues

• Monitoring, analysing and distilling legal and procedural developments into practical updates and guidance

• Creating and maintaining precedents, standard documents, playbooks and template approaches for key dispute types

• Designing and delivering internal and client training, supporting the development of litigation strategies

• Driving innovation in knowledge management, including the use of legal tech and AI-enabled tools

• Sharing best practice and building profile as a subject matter expert in real estate disputes

• Contributing to firmwide knowledge strategy through active involvement in the Knowledge Lawyer / PSL community

• Collaborating with BD and marketing on thought leadership and client-facing materials

What We’re Looking For

• UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in Real Estate Disputes, or an experienced Knowledge Lawyer/PSL with a strong contentious property focus

• Strong experience across contentious property work, which may include:

• Lease renewals, dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and possession

• Service charge, rent review and wider property management disputes

• Development-related disputes

• Title, boundary and rights-related disputes

• Residential disputes and Building Safety Act matters

• Property-related professional negligence

• Excellent technical, analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to turn complex law into clear, commercially focused guidance

• Confident communicator and presenter, comfortable delivering training in person and virtually

• Proactive, well-organised and collaborative, able to manage competing priorities and drive projects to completion

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Global mobility and international opportunities, including secondments, placements and potential relocations

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, typically with office attendance three days per week and home working two days per week, depending on role requirements and location.

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

Knowledge Lawyer (Real Estate Disputes)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £80,000 to £105,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

If you’re a Real Estate Disputes lawyer who enjoys being the person others turn to for technical clarity, practical solutions and market insight, this is a rare opportunity to step into a central Knowledge Lawyer role within a high-performing contentious real estate team.

Our client is seeking an ambitious Knowledge Lawyer to support its Real Estate Disputes practice as part of a wider growth strategy. You’ll play a key role in developing, curating and sharing know-how, helping the team deliver high-quality, consistent advice on high-value, high-profile and often complex real estate litigation.

You’ll work closely with partners and fee earners to keep lawyers and clients ahead of legal and market developments in contentious property. The team acts for a broad client base including landlords, tenants, developers, investors, corporate occupiers, banks and other financial institutions, insolvency practitioners and professional advisers.

This is a stable, collegiate and ambitious team that values collaboration and knowledge sharing. You’ll also be part of a wider Knowledge Lawyer community, working alongside other Knowledge Lawyers across Real Estate and the firm to support a consistent, innovative and technology-enabled approach to knowledge management.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing expert advisory support on complex real estate disputes and civil procedure issues

• Monitoring, analysing and distilling legal and procedural developments into practical updates and guidance

• Creating and maintaining precedents, standard documents, playbooks and template approaches for key dispute types

• Designing and delivering internal and client training, supporting the development of litigation strategies

• Driving innovation in knowledge management, including the use of legal tech and AI-enabled tools

• Sharing best practice and building profile as a subject matter expert in real estate disputes

• Contributing to firmwide knowledge strategy through active involvement in the Knowledge Lawyer / PSL community

• Collaborating with BD and marketing on thought leadership and client-facing materials

What We’re Looking For

• UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in Real Estate Disputes, or an experienced Knowledge Lawyer/PSL with a strong contentious property focus

• Strong experience across contentious property work, which may include:

• Lease renewals, dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and possession

• Service charge, rent review and wider property management disputes

• Development-related disputes

• Title, boundary and rights-related disputes

• Residential disputes and Building Safety Act matters

• Property-related professional negligence

• Excellent technical, analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to turn complex law into clear, commercially focused guidance

• Confident communicator and presenter, comfortable delivering training in person and virtually

• Proactive, well-organised and collaborative, able to manage competing priorities and drive projects to completion

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Global mobility and international opportunities, including secondments, placements and potential relocations

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, typically with office attendance three days per week and home working two days per week, depending on role requirements and location.

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

Real Estate Supervising Lawyer

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 7+ years’ PQE (Transactional Real Estate)

If you’re a senior Real Estate lawyer who gets genuine satisfaction from developing others, improving quality, and helping a team run smoothly, this is a rare opportunity to step into a dedicated Supervising Lawyer role within a busy Manchester Real Estate practice.

This position is designed to strengthen supervision, training and consistency across the team. The focus is on coaching and supporting junior lawyers (particularly 0 to 3 PQE), reviewing work, building judgement and confidence, and helping partners deliver excellent client service, rather than running a full personal caseload.

Our client is recruiting a Supervising Lawyer to provide ad hoc supervision across live matters, raise drafting quality, and support structured development across the Manchester transactional real estate team. You will be a key part of the team’s learning culture, with scope to contribute to wider know-how, precedents and training initiatives over time.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supervising, teaching and coaching junior lawyers (particularly 0 to 3 PQE) across landlord and tenant, property management, sales and purchases, development and client account work

• Reviewing drafts, giving clear feedback, and helping junior lawyers build legal judgement, commercial awareness and confidence

• Providing targeted supervision across live matters to support quality, consistency, prioritisation and deadline management, without carrying a personal caseload

• Working closely with partners and senior lawyers to identify knowledge gaps and training needs, and to embed a strong learning culture

• Promoting effective use of knowledge resources and legal technology to support efficient delivery

• Providing ad hoc fee-earning support to the Manchester Real Estate team as required

Additional scope (depending on experience and interest)

• Maintaining and enhancing precedents, playbooks, drafting guidance and checklists to drive consistency and efficiency

• Answering fee-earner queries across the wider team on technical points, including Land Registry processes and transactional queries

• Designing and delivering training sessions, workshops and practical know-how updates on core real estate topics and legal developments

• Capturing learning from significant matters and helping embed it across the team

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 7+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) in transactional real estate

• Strong experience in investment, landlord and tenant, management and development work

• Excellent technical and communication skills, with the ability to turn complex law into practical, commercial guidance

• A genuine interest in developing others, with experience supervising, coaching and providing constructive feedback

• Confidence working with stakeholders at all levels, from trainees through to partners

• Interest in knowledge sharing, training and continuous improvement

Helpful (but not essential)

• Experience in corporate real estate work, energy and projects matters, or PSL/knowledge lawyer or training roles

• Interest in using legal technology to support supervision, knowledge and team development

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Real Estate Disputes Lawyer (Managing Associate)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £90,000 to £115,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 6+ years’ PQE (Real Estate Disputes)

If you’re a senior Real Estate Disputes lawyer who enjoys leading complex matters, building trusted client relationships, and developing junior lawyers, this is a strong opportunity to join a high-performing disputes team in Manchester.

You’ll handle a broad mix of contentious property work, with a particular emphasis on high-value and often high-profile litigation. The role offers real responsibility, close partner support on business-critical mandates, and the chance to play a visible role in the continued growth of the team.

Our client is looking to appoint a Managing Associate to take day-to-day ownership of significant matters, lead strategy and delivery, and act as a key point of contact for clients. You’ll also contribute to business development activity and help maintain excellent technical and service standards across the team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and delivering a broad range of real estate disputes, with a focus on complex and high-value matters

• Advising on landlord and tenant disputes including lease renewals (contested and uncontested), dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and possession actions

• Managing litigation strategy, procedure and case progression in a commercial, solutions-focused way

• Acting as a trusted day-to-day adviser to clients, strengthening relationships through responsiveness and practical insight

• Working closely with senior lawyers on the most complex, high-profile or business-critical mandates

• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers, supporting effective delegation and quality control

• Supporting business development, including identifying opportunities with existing clients and contributing to pitches and panel appointments

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 6+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) in Real Estate Disputes

• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of contentious real estate matters, including complex landlord and tenant disputes

• Confidence to lead significant matters with appropriate autonomy, while exercising sound judgement on escalation where needed

• Strong organisational and matter management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and consistently deliver high-quality work

• Commercial approach to advice, aligned to client objectives and risk considerations

• Strong client relationship skills and experience acting as a trusted day-to-day adviser

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Leeds or Manchester (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 4 to 6 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who wants genuinely big-ticket projects, direct client exposure, and a role that sits right in the middle of the energy transition, this is a standout opportunity to join a market-leading Construction & Engineering team in Leeds or Manchester.

You’ll advise across a broad mix of UK and international mandates, spanning energy, renewables, utilities, data centres and major infrastructure, alongside high-quality real estate development work. The work is varied, fast-moving and strategically important, with early responsibility and strong long-term progression.

Due to sustained growth across the practice, our client is looking to recruit a 4 to 6 PQE Associate to support major projects from procurement through to delivery. You’ll work closely with senior lawyers in a high-performing environment, while taking real ownership of workstreams and building trusted client relationships.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and supporting workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects, advising clients across energy, utilities, renewables, transport, data centres and development

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of project documents, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts

• Advising on appointments, warranties, guarantees, security documents, framework agreements and long-term service contracts

• Providing strategic commercial, procurement and risk allocation advice to stakeholders including developers, funders, utilities, public sector bodies, operators, contractors and supply chain participants

• Taking ownership of matters and supporting the growth of the practice through client relationship management, business development and mentoring junior colleagues

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 4 to 6 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in non-contentious construction

• Experience advising on complex construction and engineering projects across energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centres and development

• Strong understanding of standard form and bespoke construction contracts, including JCT and NEC

• Exposure to FIDIC, EPC, EPCM or other international documentation (helpful, but not essential)

• Strong drafting, analytical and matter management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain excellent client service

• Confident relationship builder, able to deliver commercially focused advice aligned to client objectives and risk appetite

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Leeds or Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Planning Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

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

Experience: NQ to 4 years’ PQE (Planning)

If you’re a Planning lawyer who wants varied, high-quality work and the chance to build your profile on complex development and infrastructure matters, this is a strong opportunity to join a national Planning & Infrastructure Consenting team in Manchester.

You’ll work on a broad mix of strategic advisory, transactional and contentious planning work, supporting a diverse client base across the public and private sectors. The role offers excellent exposure to regeneration and infrastructure projects across the UK, with close partner support and clear development opportunities.

This is a chance to develop your planning skill set across major residential and mixed-use schemes, city centre regeneration and infrastructure-led projects. You’ll take ownership of workstreams appropriate to your level, build client relationships, and work as part of a collaborative national team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on planning strategy for major development and infrastructure projects across sectors including residential, commercial, mixed-use and strategic employment schemes

• Drafting and negotiating section 106 agreements, highways agreements and other infrastructure documentation

• Supporting the promotion of compulsory purchase orders for local authorities and other acquiring authorities

• Advising on planning applications, development strategy and wider planning risk

• Assisting with planning appeals, judicial review, statutory challenges and enforcement matters

• Working directly with clients and taking ownership of key workstreams with appropriate supervision

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with NQ to 4 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in planning law

• Good grounding in town and country planning and highway law

• Experience drafting and negotiating planning and highways agreements, including section 106, section 278 and section 38 agreements

• Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and ability to deliver clear, commercial advice

• Ability to manage matters or workstreams appropriate to your level and work effectively as part of a wider team

• Confidence building client relationships and taking increasing responsibility for client-facing work

Helpful (but not essential)

• Experience of, or interest in, compulsory purchase

• Experience of, or interest in, planning appeals, judicial review or statutory challenges

• Experience of, or interest in, NSIPs, DCOs or protective provisions

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Infrastructure, Projects and Energy Associate

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £60,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: NQ+ (Infrastructure, Projects & Energy or Commercial Contracts)

If you’re a lawyer who enjoys complex, real-world projects and wants to build a long-term career in infrastructure, this is a standout opportunity to join a leading Infrastructure, Projects & Energy team in Manchester.

You’ll work on a varied mix of infrastructure, public sector, regeneration and commercial projects for major public and private sector organisations. The work is high profile and genuinely diverse, with strong partner support, national collaboration and clear development pathways.

This role offers excellent exposure to strategic client relationships and complex project work across sectors including health, housing, regeneration, local government, energy, utilities, transport and education. You’ll support on project development, procurement exercises, strategic partnerships and commercial contracting, with increasing responsibility as you grow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising public and private sector clients on a wide range of infrastructure, regeneration and commercial projects

• Supporting on project development, procurement exercises, strategic partnerships, commercial contracts and operational arrangements

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial and project documentation

• Managing workstreams on complex matters and taking increasing responsibility for client contact and transaction management

• Building trusted client relationships through responsive, commercially focused advice

• Collaborating with colleagues across multiple practice areas to deliver joined-up solutions

• Benefiting from structured training, mentoring and development within a supportive and ambitious team

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified lawyer (NQ+) with experience in Infrastructure, Projects & Energy, or a strong Commercial Contracts background

• Genuine interest in infrastructure projects and the delivery of essential services across public sector, regulated or private sector markets

• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills

• Commercial awareness and interest in how clients deliver and operate projects

• Excellent organisation skills and ability to manage competing priorities

• Collaborative approach and willingness to work across sectors and disciplines

• Enthusiasm, resilience and ambition to develop into a trusted adviser

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Remote Real Estate Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Remote (with travel to Manchester twice per month)

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

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE (Transactional Real Estate)

If you’re a transactional Real Estate lawyer who enjoys asset management and investment work, likes running matters end to end, and wants the flexibility of a primarily home-based role, this is a strong opportunity to join a top-tier team while working closely with one major client.

This role is part of a structured delivery model where you’ll act as a dedicated resource for a designated client. You’ll build deep sector knowledge, develop trusted relationships, and deliver high-quality work with the support, training and career development you’d expect from a leading national real estate practice.

You’ll focus on lettings and property management work, supported by a wider client account team and modern legal tech. The role offers increased certainty and flexibility in hours, with travel to the Manchester office at least twice per month (to be agreed depending on experience). There will also be additional attendance initially for training, and occasional visits to other offices to meet the client.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as a dedicated legal resource for a key client within a structured delivery model, supported by the wider team

• Managing your own caseload and working in line with firm policies and processes

• Drafting and negotiating leases and ancillary property documents

• Handling tenant due diligence enquiries and lease management applications

• Supporting due diligence on acquisitions (or new assets to be managed) and disposals (of existing managed assets)

• Overseeing completion processes and maintaining accurate matter status updates

• Managing personal financial responsibilities, including WIP, billing and write-offs

• Supervising and supporting junior lawyers and paralegals to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery

• Building strong relationships with clients and external advisers, acting as a key point of contact

• Working with the wider client account team to share best practice, drive process improvements and maintain consistency of approach

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 3+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) advising on transactional real estate matters

• Ideally experience acting for institutional landlords

• Strong client service mindset with clear communication and relationship-building skills

• Comfortable managing high-volume, fast-paced workloads and working within structured processes

• Confident using legal technology tools and open to innovative ways of working

• Proactive approach to identifying risk and delivering practical, commercially focused solutions

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Primarily home-based, with travel to the Manchester office at least twice per month (to be agreed depending on experience). Additional office attendance will be required initially for training, with occasional travel to other offices to meet the client.

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.

Non-Contentious Construction Lawyer (Associate)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

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

Experience: 2 to 5 years’ PQE (Non-Contentious Construction)

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys complex projects, wants real client exposure, and is looking to build your profile within a top-tier team, this is a strong opportunity in Manchester.

You’ll join a market-leading Construction practice advising on a wide range of development, regeneration, energy, utilities and engineering projects across both the public and private sectors. The work is varied and high quality, with the chance to take on increasing responsibility, support key client relationships and play a visible role in the continued growth of the team.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction matters, with a particular emphasis on real estate development. You’ll draft and negotiate construction documentation, advise on procurement strategy and dispute avoidance, and support on major mandates alongside partners and senior colleagues.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising a broad client base (including government bodies, funders, developers, employers, operators, contractors, sub-contractors and professional teams) on non-contentious construction matters

• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of construction and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements

• Supporting clients on procurement strategies (including facilities management) and practical dispute avoidance mechanisms

• Managing your own matters with appropriate supervision and assisting on larger, more complex mandates

• Acting as first-line support for partners on day-to-day project issues and documentation

• Supporting client relationship development and assisting with pitches and business development activity

• Working closely with colleagues across Real Estate, Banking and Projects to deliver joined-up advice

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified lawyer with around 2 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent) in non-contentious construction

• Strong experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation, ideally with a real estate development focus

• Confident stakeholder manager, comfortable engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels

• Strong procedural, document and matter management skills with excellent attention to detail

• Clear drafting style and ability to produce legally effective documents aligned to client instructions

• Proactive, inquisitive approach and interest in understanding client drivers and project objectives

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Mental health support network and occupational health support

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.

Procurement Lawyer (Advisory)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

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

If you’re an advisory procurement lawyer who wants to build genuine specialist expertise, work on high-value, innovative projects, and be part of a collaborative team with an excellent reputation, this is a strong opportunity in Manchester.

You’ll join a market-leading public procurement practice advising public authorities, utilities and contracting partners across a broad range of sectors. The work is varied and often high profile, with the chance to take on increasing responsibility as you develop, supported by experienced colleagues and a team culture that values quality, learning and doing things properly.

This is a non-contentious procurement role focused on helping clients design and deliver procurement processes, manage risk, and navigate complex regulatory requirements. You’ll also work closely with colleagues who specialise in procurement disputes, contributing technical and strategic input when challenges arise.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising public authorities, utilities and contracting partners on procurement matters, including direct awards, contract modifications and procurement strategy

• Drafting and reviewing procurement documentation, including notices, selection questionnaires, invitations to tender and related contractual documentation

• Supporting clients in the design and delivery of procurement processes, identifying and resolving legal and commercial issues as they arise

• Assisting bidders throughout procurement exercises, including tender submissions and procurement-related queries

• Working alongside disputes colleagues to support procurement challenges, including assisting with claim assessment and preparation of key documents

• Contributing procurement input to multi-disciplinary projects across areas such as IT, outsourcing, transport, utilities, construction, real estate and defence

• Building client relationships through day-to-day matters and supporting business development activity appropriate to your level, including updates, articles, training and networking

• Taking ownership of your development, building technical expertise and increasing responsibility as your experience grows

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified lawyer with around 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent)

• Experience of, or genuine interest in, public procurement and/or utilities procurement law gained in a regional, national or international law firm

• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail

• Clear communicator with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team

• Proactive approach to managing workload and delivering high-quality work

• Strong client-service ethos, commercial awareness and willingness to contribute to the continued success of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Dental plan and access to health screening options

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year

• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)

• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling

• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps

• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan

• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme

• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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.