Associate - Insolvency

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development framework

Job summary

Trades Workforce Solutions is seeking an Insolvency Associate in Manchester, offering a salary of £55,000 - £75,000 plus bonuses. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years PQE in insolvency law, working on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

The role boasts hybrid working opportunities, supportive colleagues, and a commitment to professional development. Join a collaborative team to handle restructuring issues and build a strong client base.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years PQE as a solicitor.
• Experience in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters.
• Proven ability to manage files independently.

Responsibilities

• Advise office holders and stakeholders on restructuring issues.
• Act on distressed business and asset sales.
• Undertake insolvency litigation and manage caseload efficiently.
• Build effective client relationships and participate in marketing initiatives.

Skills

Client focus

Technical knowledge in insolvency law

Communication skills

Commercial mindset

Business development

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Insolvency Associate

Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 + Bonus

Location: Manchester (hybrid/flexible working)

Experience: 4+ Years PQE

Join a Leading City Firm's Expanding Insolvency Practice

Are you an ambitious insolvency lawyer looking to join a City‑led international firm with a thriving Manchester practice? Our client is seeking an experienced Insolvency Associate with transactional, advisory and contentious restructuring experience to join their cross‑office Insolvency team. This is your opportunity to work on high‑quality restructuring and insolvency matters whilst developing your technical expertise, client management and profile‑raising skills in a collaborative, supportive environment.

About the Role

As an Insolvency Associate, you'll join the Manchester team and work with the cross‑office Insolvency team, supporting both non‑contentious restructuring and insolvency litigation work. You'll be encouraged to think beyond the law and into the commercial, whilst being empowered to take ownership over your marketing efforts and build your professional profile.

You'll be well supported at partner level and by other fee‑earners not just in your immediate team but throughout the whole department, working collaboratively to deliver the best solutions for clients.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Advisory Work: Advising office holders, directors, lenders and other stakeholders on restructuring and insolvency issues
• Distressed Transactions: Acting for office holders and buyers on distressed business and asset sales
• Insolvency Litigation: Undertaking insolvency litigation including breach of duty, transactions at undervalue and other claims
• Caseload Management: Handling own caseload (subject to supervision) and managing files efficiently and cost‑effectively
• Complex Matters: Assisting partners and senior lawyers with more substantial matters including distressed transactions and insolvency litigation
• Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining effective client relationships, particularly with referrers of work such as national accountancy and insolvency practitioners
• Business Development: Participating in marketing initiatives, including client training days, seminars, contributions to the quarterly insolvency newsletter and other business development activities
• Compliance: Ensuring files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures
• Professional Development: Participating in firm‑wide and departmental training sessions
• Target Management: Meeting agreed targets and managing time and billing efficiently

This role offers genuine variety across both contentious and non‑contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, with excellent opportunities for career development and client‑facing work.

About You

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified solicitor with at least 4 years’ post‑qualification experience
• Contentious and/or non‑contentious experience in a broad range of insolvency and restructuring matters
• Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files independently where appropriate
• Strong client focus and commitment to service delivery
• Excellent technical knowledge across restructuring and insolvency law
• Drive and enthusiasm with a genuine passion for the practice area
• Flexibility and a can‑do attitude
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to provide pragmatic solutions
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience advising office holders, directors and lenders on complex restructuring matters
• Track record in distressed business and asset sales
• Insolvency litigation experience including breach of duty and undervalue transaction claims
• Established relationships with national accountancy and insolvency practitioners
• Demonstrable business development success or client following
• Experience contributing to marketing initiatives and thought leadership

What's On Offer

Competitive Remuneration Package:

• Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience)
• Performance‑related bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package

Career Development:

• Career Development Framework setting out clear competencies and progression pathways
• Excellent support from partners and senior lawyers across the cross‑office team
• Opportunity to take ownership over marketing efforts and profile‑raising
• Empowerment to bring your ideas, experiences and expertise
• Firm‑wide and departmental training sessions
• Collaborative working environment with support throughout the whole department

Professional Environment:

• Work with a City‑led international firm with offices across the UK, Middle East and Asia
• Strategic partnership with Interlaw facilitating management of multi‑jurisdictional matters
• Leading practices in Corporate, Litigation, Tax, Banking and Finance, Real Estate and Private Wealth
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Strategic direction shaped by ESG principles guiding firm‑wide operations

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in Manchester, with the opportunity to work with the cross‑office Insolvency team across the firm's UK offices. The firm offers modern office facilities with excellent transport links and a collaborative working environment.