Childcare Law Solicitor

Location: Ashton-under-Lyme

Career Level: Senior Solicitor 5+ PQE

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 + Bonus

Are you an experienced childcare law solicitor looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Childcare Law Solicitor at 5+ PQE level to join their expanding Childcare Team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality childcare law matters, conducting your own caseload and undertaking advocacy in care proceedings. You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As a Childcare Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of childcare law matters, representing local authorities, parents, or children in care proceedings. This role focuses exclusively on childcare law, with no private family law work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on complex and rewarding childcare matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and expertise in this specialist area.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting your own caseload in childcare law matters from instruction through to conclusion
• Representing clients in care proceedings, including public law children cases
• Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court at all levels
• Advising on care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders
• Handling complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases and complex family dynamics
• Attending court hearings, case management hearings, and final hearings
• Preparing court bundles, witness statements, and legal submissions
• Liaising with clients, local authorities, children's guardians, and expert witnesses
• Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the childcare team
• Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently
• Contributing to the continued success and development of the childcare practice

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years' PQE experience in childcare law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Proven experience running your own caseload in childcare law matters
• Experience undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
• The Law Society's Children Law Panel accreditation
• A Children's Guardian following
• Strong technical knowledge of childcare law, the Children Act 1989, and care proceedings
• Excellent advocacy skills and confidence in court
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
• Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
• Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area

Highly Desirable:

• Experience representing multiple client types (local authorities, parents, or children)
• Experience with complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases
• Knowledge of adoption law and placement proceedings
• Supervisory or mentoring experience
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment

Key Attributes:

• Experienced and dedicated with a passion for childcare law
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
• Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Loyalty holiday scheme
• Ability to buy additional holidays
• Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service scheme
• Paycare scheme
• Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
• Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
• Specialist childcare law practice with no private family law work
• Modern, well-equipped offices in Ashton-under-lyme
• Flexible working arrangements available

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including childcare law, family law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.

The Childcare Team specialises exclusively in childcare law matters, handling care proceedings, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders. The team represents local authorities, parents, and children in complex and sensitive care proceedings, providing expert legal advice and advocacy in the Family Court.

The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service. The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated childcare law practitioners.

Location

This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyme office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced childcare law solicitor with Children Law Panel accreditation and a Children's Guardian following, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Family Law Solicitor

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

Career Level: Solicitor/FCILEX 1-5 PQE

Salary: £35,000 - £55,000 + Bonus

Join a Dedicated Family Law Team

Are you an experienced family law solicitor or FCILEX looking for an exciting opportunity to join a well-established team? Our client, a highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Family Law Solicitor or FCILEX at 1-5 PQE level to join their expanding Family Law Team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a diverse caseload of private family law matters, including divorce, financial remedy disputes, and cohabitation matters. You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As a Family Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of private family law matters, handling divorce, financial remedy disputes, civil partnership disputes, and advising on the rights of unmarried and cohabitating couples. This role focuses exclusively on private family law, with no child law or childcare work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on varied and rewarding family law matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and building strong client relationships.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting your own caseload in private family law matters, subject to appropriate supervision
• Handling divorce proceedings, financial remedy disputes, and civil partnership matters
• Advising unmarried and cohabitating couples on their legal rights and remedies
• Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
• Assisting with new enquiries received by the department
• Assisting with the department's legal surgery sessions (free client drop-in sessions)
• Undertaking fee-earning work on client matters
• Undertaking administrative tasks on client matters
• Dealing with applications for funding from the Legal Aid scheme
• Preparing court bundles, witness statements, financial statements (Form E), and legal submissions
• Attending court hearings, First Appointments, Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, and final hearings
• Liaising with clients, barristers, financial experts, and other professionals
• Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
• Assisting with marketing efforts for the department, including networking with local external agencies that refer work to the department
• Assisting with external advice sessions that the team provides to local organisations
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the family law team
• Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 1-5 years' PQE experience in family law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales or FCILEX
• Proven experience running your own caseload in private family law matters
• Experience in divorce, financial remedy disputes, and civil partnership matters
• Advocacy experience in the Family Court
• Strong technical knowledge of family law, the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, and financial remedy proceedings
• Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
• Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
• Willingness to assist with legal surgery sessions and new enquiries rota
• Willingness to assist with external advice sessions provided to local organisations
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area

Highly Desirable:

• Experience advising unmarried and cohabitating couples on their legal rights
• Knowledge of Legal Aid funding and publicly funded family law work
• Experience with complex financial remedy cases
• Experience with community engagement and legal advice sessions
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment

Key Attributes:

• Experienced and dedicated with a passion for family law
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
• Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments
• Enthusiastic about community engagement and providing access to justice

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £35,000 - £55,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Loyalty holiday scheme
• Ability to purchase additional holidays
• Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service scheme
• Paycare scheme
• Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
• Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
• Specialist private family law practice with no child law or childcare work
• Opportunity to participate in legal surgery sessions and community advice work
• Modern, well-equipped offices Ashton-under-Lyne
• Flexible working arrangements available

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including family law, childcare law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.

The Family Law Team specialises in private family law matters, handling divorce, financial remedy disputes, civil partnership matters, and advising unmarried and cohabitating couples. The team is committed to providing accessible legal services and regularly participates in legal surgery sessions and external advice sessions with local organisations.

The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service. The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated family law practitioners.

Location

This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyne office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced family law solicitor or FCILEX with advocacy experience and a passion for helping clients through difficult times, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882

Accounts Senior

Location: North East Manchester
Salary: £38,000 to £48,000, depending on experience
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Accountancy Practice
Experience: Minimum eight years in Practice

The Opportunity

An established independent Accountancy Practice is seeking an experienced Accounts Senior to join its North East Manchester team.

This is a long-term appointment for someone who has built substantial experience within UK Accountancy Practice and is now looking for stability, responsibility and the opportunity to become an integral member of a close-knit team.

You will manage a varied workload for SMEs and owner-managed businesses, combining statutory accounts and tax compliance with direct client contact and practical business support.

The Role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and finalising statutory accounts for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships
• Producing accounts from client records and reconciled working papers
• Preparing Corporation Tax computations and returns
• Supporting Personal Tax and VAT compliance where required
• Preparing management accounts and year-end adjustments
• Acting as a regular point of contact for clients
• Resolving accounting queries and explaining financial information clearly
• Managing assignments and compliance deadlines
• Identifying matters requiring Partner input
• Reviewing or supporting work completed by junior colleagues
• Using cloud-accounting and Practice software
• Contributing to efficient workflows and high client-service standards

About You

You should ideally offer:

• At least eight years’ experience within a UK Accountancy Practice
• A stable career history demonstrating commitment to previous employers
• Strong statutory accounts preparation and finalisation experience
• Practical knowledge of Corporation Tax, VAT and general compliance
• Experience supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses
• Confidence communicating directly with clients
• The ability to manage assignments with limited supervision
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• A dependable, collaborative and client-focused approach
• An interest in establishing a long-term career with the firm

ACA, ACCA or AAT qualifications would be advantageous. Experienced qualified-by-experience applicants will also be considered.

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £38,000 to £48,000, depending on technical experience and level of responsibility
• Flexibility for an exceptional candidate whose experience exceeds the initial brief
• A varied and established client portfolio
• Direct contact with business owners
• Close working relationships with senior colleagues and Partners
• Responsibility appropriate to experience
• Opportunities to support junior colleagues
• Long-term stability within an established Practice
• Continuing professional development

The firm’s priority is finding the right long-term person rather than appointing solely according to salary. The complete package and working arrangements will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Location

The role is based in North East Manchester.

Applicants should be able to commute reliably to the office in accordance with the agreed working pattern.

Apply in Confidence

To discuss this Accounts Senior opportunity confidentially, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

All applications will be handled confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring Practice without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.

Insolvency Solicitor 

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working, 1 day per week in the office)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 plus bonus (up to 15%)

Experience: 5 years’ PQE (contentious and non-contentious)

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced litigation solicitor into its Manchester team, with a strong focus on insolvency and restructuring matters.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys technically interesting work, wants exposure to high quality cases through a global platform, and is confident handling both contentious and non-contentious insolvency work.

The Role

You will support and run a varied workload, which is expected to include:

• Contentious insolvency and wider disputes arising from financial distress

• Non-contentious insolvency and restructuring advisory work

• Advising on strategy, risk and settlement options, with a commercial and pragmatic approach

• Drafting clear, persuasive pleadings, witness evidence, applications and correspondence where required

• Working closely with colleagues across practice areas to understand the underlying transactions and deliver joined-up advice

• Attending mediations, hearings and other dispute resolution forums as required

• Contributing to business development, marketing and client relationship activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

• Around 5 years’ PQE with demonstrable insolvency and restructuring experience

• Comfortable handling both contentious and non-contentious matters

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Commercial approach and confidence advising clients

• Ability to manage deadlines in a busy environment

• Collaborative mindset and interest in building long-term client relationships

Desirable:

• Experience of ADR (including negotiation and mediation)

• Exposure to cross-border elements and multi-party matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £75,000 to £95,000

• Annual bonus opportunity (up to 15% of annual salary, based on personal and firm performance)

• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension matched up to 5%

• Private health insurance (BUPA)

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

• State of the art office in Manchester City Centre

• Exposure to very high quality cases as part of a global firm

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent role

• Manchester

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

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

Corporate Commercial Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid working, 1 day per week in the office)

Salary: £75,000 to £95,000 plus bonus (up to 15%)

Experience: 5 years’ PQE (Corporate / Corporate Commercial)

Our client is looking to recruit a Corporate Commercial Solicitor (5 years’ PQE) to join its Manchester team.

This is a great opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys high quality, business-focused work and wants genuine exposure to complex matters within a global platform, while still benefiting from a close-knit, supportive team.

The Role

Depending on your background, you will support and run a broad corporate and commercial workload which may include:

• Advising owner-managed businesses, investors and senior stakeholders on corporate and commercial matters

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of commercial agreements

• Supporting corporate transactions and wider business advisory work

• Working closely with colleagues across practice areas to deliver joined-up advice

• Building strong client relationships and contributing to business development activity

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

• Around 5 years’ PQE in corporate and/or corporate commercial work

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Commercial, pragmatic approach and confidence advising clients

• Ability to manage matters efficiently and communicate clearly with colleagues and clients

• Interest in building long-term client relationships

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £75,000 to £95,000

• Annual bonus opportunity (up to 15% of annual salary, based on personal and firm performance)

• 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension matched up to 5%

• Private health insurance (BUPA)

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

• State of the art office in Manchester City Centre

• Exposure to very high quality cases as part of a global firm

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent role

• Manchester

• Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office)

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

Contentious Probate Solicitor

Location: Manchester 

Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 (depending on experience)

Experience: 2+ PQE

If you’re a Contentious Probate Solicitor who enjoys complex disputes, thoughtful client work, and the satisfaction of getting to the bottom of difficult situations, this is a strong opportunity to join a specialist team with a supportive culture.

This role offers a varied caseload, real responsibility, and the chance to build your profile in contentious trusts and estates work, with the backing of a firm that invests in its people.

You’ll work on a broad range of contentious probate and trust disputes, advising clients with sensitivity and clarity. The work is intellectually interesting and often high-stakes, so you’ll need to be confident managing matters end-to-end while keeping clients informed and supported.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of contentious probate and trust matters from instruction to resolution

• Advising on will disputes and challenges, including validity issues

• Handling Inheritance Act claims and related negotiations

• Advising on estate and trust disputes, including beneficiary and executor issues

• Supporting on claims involving undue influence, lack of capacity and fraud allegations

• Drafting pleadings and correspondence, and preparing matters for mediation or court

• Attending hearings where appropriate and supporting counsel on more complex litigation

• Building strong client relationships through clear, empathetic advice

• Contributing to business development activity and referral relationships

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years’ PQE in contentious probate or private client disputes

• Comfortable running matters with appropriate supervision and escalating risks early

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Confident communicator with excellent client care

• Commercially aware and solutions-focused

• Collaborative approach and interest in developing a long-term specialism

What’s On Offer

• Employee bonus scheme providing up to an additional 10% of your salary annually (T&Cs apply)

• A healthcare package

• Company pension

• Death in service cover (4x salary)

• PureGym membership

• Counselling service

• Pet insurance for cats and dogs (subject to conditions)

• Annual eye tests

• Annual hearing tests

• Annual flu jab

• 5 days sick leave (maximum 2 occasions per year)

• Massages in the office once a month (15 minutes per person)

• Birthday off work

• Netflix

• Spotify

• Amazon Prime

• Apple News+

• Free conveyancing

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent

• Hybrid working model (where applicable)

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will not share any details with our client without your express permission.

Head of Corporate

Location: Hale (Greater Manchester)

Salary: £90,000 to £130,000

Experience: 8+ years PQE

Lead and grow a high-performing corporate and commercial function.

Our client is looking to appoint a Head of Company Commercial Department to play a strategic and operational leadership role in driving the firm’s corporate legal services.This is a senior opportunity for an experienced corporate lawyer who enjoys combining hands-on fee earning with team leadership, service excellence, and business development.

You will lead a team of solicitors and support staff, supervise complex casework, and take ownership of the department’s performance and growth.The working environment is office-based to support collaboration, learning, and day-to-day support.

You will report directly to the Owner and Managing Director and will be part of the senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Team leadership and management

• Leading, supervising and mentoring a team of corporate solicitors and paralegals

• Providing technical guidance and oversight on complex matters

• Supporting recruitment, retention and development of high-calibre talent

• Running regular team meetings and 1:1s, encouraging collaboration and a positive culture

Client management and fee earning

• Maintaining and developing a portfolio of corporate clients

• Advising on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including:

• M&A

• Joint ventures

• Shareholder agreements

• Restructures

• Commercial contracts

• Acting as principal advisor on high-value or high-risk matters

• Contributing to billing and financial performance through efficient case management and fee generation

• Ensuring consistent client service standards, responsiveness and professionalism

• Supporting consistent file standards and ways of working, including regular matter reviews

• Supporting billing discipline and timely management of monies on account

Strategic development and compliance

• Contributing to the strategic plan and growth of the department

• Ensuring compliance with SRA requirements and internal policies, including risk management and quality assurance

• Keeping up to date with legal developments and evolving client needs

Business development

• Driving business development initiatives to grow the corporate client base

• Representing the firm at networking and industry events

• Supporting prompt, professional handling of new enquiries and maximising conversion

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate

• 8+ years PQE in corporate law, ideally with leadership or senior management experience

• Strong track record managing complex corporate matters and client portfolios

• Proven experience leading and developing legal teams

• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to contribute to strategic planning

• Experience in business development and client acquisition

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, comfortable advising at board and shareholder level

• Strong organisation, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities

• Confident with practice management systems and Microsoft Office

Values for Success

Our client is looking for a leader who consistently demonstrates:

• Empathy and a client-first approach

• Tenacity and resilience

• Adaptability and a solutions-focused mindset

• Excellence and continuous improvement

• Integrity and strong professional standards

• Accountability and ownership

• Clear, confident communication

What’s On Offer

• Employee bonus scheme of up to an additional 10% of salary annually (T&Cs apply)

• Healthcare package including: 24/7 GP access, £100 towards dental treatment per year, £100 towards glasses per year, £250 towards physio per year, annual eye tests, annual hearing tests

• Death in service (4x salary)

• Company pension

• Pet insurance (cats and dogs, subject to conditions)

• Counselling service

• Monthly in-office massages (15 minutes per person)

• PureGym membership

• Annual flu jab

• Birthday off work

Working Arrangements

• Office-based working, Hale, Greater Manchester

• Full-time, permanent

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