Job Description

Real Estate Disputes Lawyer (Managing Associate)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £90,000 to £115,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 6+ years’ PQE (Real Estate Disputes)

If you’re a senior Real Estate Disputes lawyer who enjoys leading complex matters, building trusted client relationships, and developing junior lawyers, this is a strong opportunity to join a high-performing disputes team in Manchester.

You’ll handle a broad mix of contentious property work, with a particular emphasis on high-value and often high-profile litigation. The role offers real responsibility, close partner support on business-critical mandates, and the chance to play a visible role in the continued growth of the team.

Our client is looking to appoint a Managing Associate to take day-to-day ownership of significant matters, lead strategy and delivery, and act as a key point of contact for clients. You’ll also contribute to business development activity and help maintain excellent technical and service standards across the team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and delivering a broad range of real estate disputes, with a focus on complex and high-value matters

• Advising on landlord and tenant disputes including lease renewals (contested and uncontested), dilapidations, break notices, forfeiture and possession actions

• Managing litigation strategy, procedure and case progression in a commercial, solutions-focused way

• Acting as a trusted day-to-day adviser to clients, strengthening relationships through responsiveness and practical insight

• Working closely with senior lawyers on the most complex, high-profile or business-critical mandates

• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers, supporting effective delegation and quality control

• Supporting business development, including identifying opportunities with existing clients and contributing to pitches and panel appointments

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 6+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) in Real Estate Disputes

• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of contentious real estate matters, including complex landlord and tenant disputes

• Confidence to lead significant matters with appropriate autonomy, while exercising sound judgement on escalation where needed

• Strong organisational and matter management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and consistently deliver high-quality work

• Commercial approach to advice, aligned to client objectives and risk considerations

• Strong client relationship skills and experience acting as a trusted day-to-day adviser

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)

• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)

• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover

• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)

• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover

• 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

• 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

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

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 always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.