Job Description

Commercial Disputes – Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

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

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

Our client is expanding and looking to recruit a Managing Associate into its Commercial Disputes team in Manchester.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing disputes practice handling high-calibre work, with real scope to progress as you take on complex matters and play a visible role in client relationships and team leadership.

The Team You’ll join a commercial disputes group with strength across the UK and internationally, known for a commercial and innovative approach to resolving business disputes. The team regularly deploys a mix of formal proceedings and alternative dispute resolution, including negotiation and mediation, and works closely with non-contentious colleagues to understand the underlying transactions and achieve sensible outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on a wide range of commercial and corporate disputes

• Managing complex cases and taking responsibility for delivery against client and court deadlines

• Supervising and supporting associate teams under partner guidance

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across contentious and non-contentious practice areas

• Keeping on top of legal and regulatory developments and tailoring advice accordingly

• Playing an active role in business development, including strengthening existing client relationships and developing new ones

• Supporting the development of junior colleagues through coaching, feedback and knowledge sharing

• Contributing to continuous improvement, including considering how technology and AI tools can support efficient, high-quality delivery

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE with strong disputes experience gained in private practice

• Strong technical grounding and versatility across commercial and corporate disputes

• Confidence managing complex matters and leading teams with appropriate supervision

• Excellent attention to detail, strong judgement and a proactive approach

• Strong client-handling skills and the ability to build trusted relationships

• Collaborative mindset and genuine interest in developing others

Desirable

• Experience of a broad range of dispute resolution processes, including ADR

• Interest in process improvement and the practical use of legal technology

What’s On Offer

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

• High-quality work within a growing disputes practice

• Supportive culture with strong investment in development, mentoring and progression

• Structured training 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.