Job Description

Disputes Associate Solicitor

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000

Experience: 2–5 years’ PQE

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

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

The Opportunity

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

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

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

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

• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations and court proceedings

• Build and maintain strong client relationships

• Contribute to business development and thought leadership activity

• Support and mentor junior team members

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

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

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

• Strong legal research and drafting skills

• Experience managing your own caseload with minimal supervision

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

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

• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in business development

• Collaborative working style and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

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

• Exposure to multi-jurisdictional disputes

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

• Experience with e-disclosure platforms and case management systems

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £85,000

• Performance-related bonus scheme

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

• Private medical insurance

• Pension contribution scheme

• Income protection and life assurance

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

• Enhanced parental leave policies

• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing initiatives

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

• Active social calendar and firm-wide events

• Pro bono opportunities and community engagement

• Clear progression pathway and structured development support

• Training and development programme, with mentoring from senior lawyers

• Secondment opportunities with key clients

About Our Client

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

Location & Working Arrangements

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

Next Steps

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

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.