Contentious Construction Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 1+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Associate into its Manchester team, following continued growth in the volume and value of key mandates.

This is a strong opportunity for a disputes-focused construction lawyer who wants early responsibility, high-quality work, and the chance to develop long-term within a supportive, high-performing team.

You’ll work across formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a wide range of contentious construction and engineering disputes

• Supporting clients at both dispute avoidance and dispute resolution stages

• Working on contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)

• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including PFI and PPP schemes

• Handling disputes connected to consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts

• Supporting on adjudication, litigation and arbitration, and assisting with pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)

• Getting involved in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediation (including multi-party mediations)

• Managing your own matters with supervision, and supporting partners and senior lawyers on more complex work

• Supporting client relationship development and contributing to pitches and business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1+ years’ PQE with experience in contentious construction matters

• Exposure to dispute resolution processes such as adjudication, litigation and or arbitration

• Strong drafting skills and confidence producing clear, accurate documents that reflect client instructions

• Strong organisation and document management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Confident communication style and a professional approach with internal and external stakeholders

• Genuine interest in understanding client drivers and delivering practical, commercial advice

Desirable

• Experience of TCC litigation

• Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements and expert evidence

• Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £85,000 + bonus and benefits

• High-calibre work across a broad range of construction disputes

• Early responsibility within a supportive and stretching environment

• Strong development support, including training, mentoring, coaching and regular check-ins

• A genuinely inclusive culture with active networks and a focus on belonging

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.

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.

Contentious Construction Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Managing Associate into its Construction and Engineering Disputes team in Manchester.

This is a senior opportunity for a construction disputes lawyer who wants to lead on high-value, complex matters, play a visible role in client relationships and business development, and help shape the continued growth of a busy, high-performing team.

The work spans formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on complex contentious construction and engineering disputes, including high-value contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)

• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure projects, including PFI and PPP schemes

• Advising strategically on construction documentation and project issues, including consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts

• Taking a lead role in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediations (including multi-party mediations), and supporting settlement strategy

• Managing key client relationships and identifying opportunities to deepen and broaden client support

• Taking an active role in pitching for work and driving business development activity

• Supervising matters, delegating effectively, and supporting delivery against deadlines and client expectations

• Coaching, mentoring and developing junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting best practice

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE with strong contentious construction experience

• Solid experience across dispute resolution processes, including adjudication, litigation and or arbitration

• Strong drafting skills and confidence preparing pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with confidence advising clients and collaborating with counsel and experts

• Strong procedural and document management skills, with a proactive approach to diary and deadline management

• Commercial judgement and the ability to deliver clear, practical advice under pressure

Desirable

• Strong experience of TCC litigation

• Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes

• Experience leading mediations and settlement discussions

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus and benefits

• High-calibre work with strong client exposure across a broad range of sectors

• A supportive, collaborative team with genuine investment in development and progression

• Structured training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development opportunities

• A genuinely inclusive environment with active networks and a focus on belonging

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.

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.

Knowledge Lawyer (Real Estate Disputes)

Location: London (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: Leeds (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.

Public Procurement Lawyer (Advisory)

Location: Leeds (hybrid working)

Salary: £55,000 to £80,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE

If you’re an advisory lawyer who wants to build specialist procurement expertise, work on high-value and genuinely interesting projects, and develop your reputation in a supportive team, this is a strong opportunity.

Our client is looking to appoint a Public Procurement Lawyer into a market-leading team advising across the full range of procurement regulations. You’ll work on innovative, cutting-edge matters and take on increasing responsibility as your experience grows, with the support of experienced colleagues and a collaborative culture.

You’ll advise public authorities, utilities and contracting partners on a broad range of procurement issues, supporting the design and delivery of procurement processes and helping clients manage legal and commercial risk. You’ll also work closely with specialist procurement disputes colleagues, providing technical and strategic input on contentious matters where required.

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 responding to procurement-related queries

• Working alongside disputes colleagues to support procurement challenges, including assessing claims and preparing key documents

• Contributing procurement expertise to multi-disciplinary projects with teams including IT, outsourcing, transport, utilities, construction, real estate and defence

• Building client relationships and supporting business development activities appropriate to your level, including client updates, articles, training and networking

• Taking ownership of your development, building technical expertise and increasing responsibility over time

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified lawyer with 1 to 5 years’ post-qualification experience

• Experience of, or a genuine interest in, public procurement and/or utilities procurement

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

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach

• Proactive and organised, with the ability to manage workload and deliver high-quality work

• Strong client-service ethos, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in contributing to a growing team

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.

Senior Public Procurement Lawyer (Advisory)

Location: Leeds (hybrid working)

Salary: £80,000 to £110,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Senior level (significant PQE)

If you’re a procurement lawyer who wants to lead complex advisory work, build long-term client relationships, and help shape a market-leading practice, this is a standout opportunity.

Our client is looking to appoint a senior advisory (non-contentious) lawyer to support the continued growth of its Public Procurement team. You’ll take on increasing responsibility, enhance your professional reputation, and work alongside experienced, dynamic colleagues in a supportive and collaborative environment.

You’ll advise on high-value and strategically important procurement matters, working with public authorities, utilities and contracting partners across a broad range of sectors. The team works across both advisory and disputes, and you’ll collaborate closely with specialist disputes colleagues, providing technical and strategic input into contentious matters when required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on complex procurement matters, advising on direct awards, contract modifications, procurement strategy and regulatory compliance

• Managing procurement workstreams on large, multi-disciplinary projects

• Advising on the design, delivery and governance of complex procurement processes, providing pragmatic, commercially focused solutions

• Acting as a trusted adviser to contracting authorities and bidders throughout the procurement lifecycle

• Leading or playing a significant role in procurement disputes, working alongside disputes colleagues to assess risk, develop strategy and support claims and defences

• Supervising, coaching and developing junior lawyers, providing technical guidance and constructive feedback

• Building and strengthening long-term client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand existing work and develop new client opportunities

• Playing an active role in business development, including thought leadership, training, speaking opportunities and profile-raising activity

• Contributing to the development of the practice through innovation, improving precedents and processes, and supporting strategic growth initiatives

• Demonstrating the leadership, commerciality and collaborative behaviours expected at senior level, with a clear focus on progression

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience, ideally from a leading regional, national or international law firm

• Strong technical expertise in public procurement and/or utilities procurement, including complex and high-value matters

• Ability to manage matters with an appropriate level of autonomy, balancing technical excellence with commercially focused advice

• Experience supervising and developing junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture

• Strong client relationship skills and a track record of delivering exceptional client service

• Commercial mindset, with an interest in practice development, client growth and strategic initiatives

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders

• Proactive, collaborative approach and genuine ambition to contribute to long-term team success

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.

Asset Finance Associate

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 3+ years’ PQE

If you’re an Asset Finance lawyer who wants to step into higher value, more complex transactions, work with a genuinely broad client base, and build your profile in a market-leading team, this is an excellent opportunity.

Our client is looking to appoint an Asset Finance Associate (3+ PQE) to support the delivery of high-value asset finance and leasing transactions for financial institutions and borrower clients. Based in Manchester, you’ll be part of a national team working across the UK and internationally, with exposure to sector work including transport and energy.

You’ll advise on a wide range of domestic and international asset finance matters, working closely with partners and colleagues across offices. The team is known for its depth of expertise across all asset categories, supported by a wider network of specialists, and offers a collaborative environment with clear development support.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on asset finance and leasing transactions for lenders and borrower clients

• Supporting matters including operating and finance leasing, receivables and debt finance, vendor finance, and structuring issues

• Assisting on buying and selling lease books

• Working across a wide range of asset types, which may include rolling stock, aviation, marine vessels, commercial vehicles, energy and industrial plant, telecommunications and medical equipment, and IT hardware

• Coordinating with colleagues in other disciplines as needed to support complex transactions

• Building strong client relationships and delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice

• Contributing to business development through networking, client training and profile raising activity

• Taking ownership of your development through formal training, mentoring, coaching and development programmes

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified Solicitor with 3+ years’ PQE and experience in asset finance

• Ability to advise both financial institutions and borrower clients

• Experience across a range of asset finance matters, which may include operating and finance leasing, receivables finance, debt finance and vendor finance

• Strong commercial judgement and ability to provide pragmatic, tailored advice

• Confident communicator who can build relationships with clients and internal stakeholders

• Collaborative approach and ability to coordinate across teams on complex transactions

• Genuine interest in developing deeper expertise in asset finance

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 based in Manchester and 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.

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.

Costs Lawyer

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 1yr PQE + 

If you’re a Costs Lawyer who enjoys the technical detail, but also wants to be part of high-calibre disputes work with real commercial impact, this is a strong opportunity to join a specialist Costs Team supporting a wide Disputes Group.

Our client is looking to appoint a junior Costs Lawyer into a growing Costs Team. You’ll provide costs advice and support across a broad range of disputes, working on complex, high-value matters for leading clients, including cross-border and multi-jurisdictional work.

You’ll operate across the Disputes Group, supporting teams including Commercial Disputes, Finance Disputes, Real Estate Disputes, Construction Disputes, Insolvency Disputes and Intellectual Property Disputes. The team is known for technical excellence and commercially focused solutions, and is committed to innovation and the use of technology to drive efficiency and accuracy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Preparing costs-related documents and providing tailored costs advice, with support from senior colleagues where needed

• Assisting with all stages of detailed assessment, including drafting bills, points of dispute and points of reply, and supporting at hearings

• Supporting senior colleagues on settlement strategy, including preparing advice on settlement parameters

• Supporting costs management, including drafting Precedent H budgets, Precedent R discussion reports and Precedent T forms for budget variations

• Monitoring legal spend under supervision and supporting fee earners with practical guidance

• Preparing N260 schedules of costs for summary assessments

• Assisting with schedules of costs for payments on account and arbitrations

• Liaising with fee earners to manage expectations and support delivery across the wider Disputes Group

• Ensuring compliance with relevant procedural rules and regulations

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting costs work across detailed assessment and costs management

• Solid understanding of costs assessment and management processes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver within agreed timeframes

• Confident working collaboratively, supporting fee earners and building strong internal relationships

• Forward-thinking mindset and interest in using technology to improve efficiency and client outcomes

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 can be based in either Leeds or Manchester and 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.

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.

Costs Lawyer

Location: Leeds (hybrid working)

Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 1yr PQE + 

If you’re a Costs Lawyer who enjoys the technical detail, but also wants to be part of high-calibre disputes work with real commercial impact, this is a strong opportunity to join a specialist Costs Team supporting a wide Disputes Group.

Our client is looking to appoint a junior Costs Lawyer into a growing Costs Team. You’ll provide costs advice and support across a broad range of disputes, working on complex, high-value matters for leading clients, including cross-border and multi-jurisdictional work.

You’ll operate across the Disputes Group, supporting teams including Commercial Disputes, Finance Disputes, Real Estate Disputes, Construction Disputes, Insolvency Disputes and Intellectual Property Disputes. The team is known for technical excellence and commercially focused solutions, and is committed to innovation and the use of technology to drive efficiency and accuracy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Preparing costs-related documents and providing tailored costs advice, with support from senior colleagues where needed

• Assisting with all stages of detailed assessment, including drafting bills, points of dispute and points of reply, and supporting at hearings

• Supporting senior colleagues on settlement strategy, including preparing advice on settlement parameters

• Supporting costs management, including drafting Precedent H budgets, Precedent R discussion reports and Precedent T forms for budget variations

• Monitoring legal spend under supervision and supporting fee earners with practical guidance

• Preparing N260 schedules of costs for summary assessments

• Assisting with schedules of costs for payments on account and arbitrations

• Liaising with fee earners to manage expectations and support delivery across the wider Disputes Group

• Ensuring compliance with relevant procedural rules and regulations

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting costs work across detailed assessment and costs management

• Solid understanding of costs assessment and management processes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver within agreed timeframes

• Confident working collaboratively, supporting fee earners and building strong internal relationships

• Forward-thinking mindset and interest in using technology to improve efficiency and client outcomes

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 can be based in either Leeds or Leeds and 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.

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.