Job Description

Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £60,000 to £100,000

Experience: 4–8 years’ PQE (Associate level), with scope to step up

If you’re an ambitious corporate lawyer looking for high-quality work and a clear platform for progression, this is an excellent opportunity to join a top-tier corporate and commercial team in Manchester City Centre.

You’ll work on sophisticated transactions, build strong client relationships, and benefit from the support and resources of a major, full-service practice.

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad mix of corporate and commercial work, with the chance to take ownership of matters, support on complex transactions, and contribute to the continued growth of the Manchester team.

• Advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts

• Manage your own caseload while supporting on high-value transactions

• Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements

• Provide strategic, commercially focused advice to clients across a range of sectors

• Build and maintain client relationships, with a focus on business development

• Mentor and supervise junior team members

• Contribute to profile-raising and team growth in Manchester

About You

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 4–8 years’ PQE in corporate and commercial law

• Strong experience advising on UK corporate transactions, including M&A and commercial contracts

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

• Confident client relationship management skills

• Commercial awareness and an interest in business development

• Able to work independently, while contributing effectively within a team

• Strong written and verbal communication

Desirable

• Experience in a Top 100 and/or international law firm environment

• Sector experience (for example, technology, healthcare, energy or financial services)

• Track record of business development and/or client origination

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £100,000

• Performance-based bonus scheme

• Hybrid working arrangements

• Private medical insurance

• Pension contribution scheme

• Income protection and life assurance

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)

• Enhanced parental leave policies

• Wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programme

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

• Professional subscriptions and Law Society fees paid

• Modern office in Manchester City Centre with excellent transport links

• Training and development support, with a clear progression pathway

• Secondment opportunities (UK and international)

• Mentoring from experienced senior lawyers

About Our Client

Our client is a Top 100, full-service law firm with a strong UK presence and an international reach. The firm is known for its investment in people, collaborative culture and high-quality work across a broad client base.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Hybrid working available.

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.