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-- or call 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.