Corporate Associate Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Private health scheme

Pension

Life assurance

Cycle to work

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions represents a leading Leeds corporate team seeking a Corporate Associate with 2–4 years’ PQE in corporate/M&A to join their busy practice on a hybrid basis in Leeds. You will work on domestic and international deals, gain early responsibility, and develop a broad corporate skillset beyond pure M&A.

The role offers a competitive salary and a strong progression path. The package includes £65,000 to £80,000 with bonus and benefits, plus a hybrid working pattern and

Qualifications

• 2–4 years’ PQE in corporate law/M&A
• Strong M&A experience and confidence supporting on corporate transactions
• Solid technical knowledge and commercial awareness

Responsibilities

• Support on M&A transactions, including domestic and international work
• Assist on private equity investments, restructures and broader corporate advisory matters
• Manage your own smaller matters with supervision as you gain experience
• Support senior colleagues on larger and more complex transactions
• Work on matters ranging from £5m to £100m+ and build client relationships

Skills

M&A experience

Corporate law

Deal management

Client relationship

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Corporate Associate

Location: Leeds (hybrid working)

Salary: £65,000 to £80,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 2 to 4 years’ PQE (Corporate/M&A)

If you’re a Corporate Solicitor who enjoys getting close to deals, wants early responsibility, and is looking to build a well-rounded corporate practice, this is a strong opportunity to join one of the busiest corporate teams in the region.

Our client is continuing to grow due to sustained demand and is looking to appoint a Corporate Associate into their Leeds team. M&A will sit at the core of the role, but you will also gain exposure to a broad mix of corporate work, giving you the chance to develop commercially and technically without being boxed into one niche.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting on M&A transactions, including domestic and international work


• Assisting on private equity investments, restructures and wider corporate advisory matters


• Managing your own smaller matters as your experience develops, with supervision where needed


• Supporting senior colleagues on larger and more complex transactions


• Working on matters typically ranging from £5m to £100m+


• Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues across the wider firm


• Working closely with other specialist teams to deliver joined-up advice


• Contributing to business development activity and growing your network over time

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 2 to 4 years’ PQE in corporate law


• Strong M&A experience and confidence supporting on corporate transactions


• Solid technical knowledge and good commercial awareness


• Ability to manage workload effectively and take responsibility for progressing matters


• Clear communication style and strong relationship-building skills


• Collaborative approach and interest in being part of a high-performing team


• Ambition to broaden your experience across the full spectrum of corporate work

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £65,000 to £80,000 plus bonus and benefits


• High-quality corporate work across a broad range of sectors


• Early responsibility and support from experienced colleagues


• The chance to build a broad corporate skillset beyond pure M&A


• Hybrid working (up to two days per week from home)


• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, plus your birthday off (with the option to buy or sell holiday)


• Private health scheme


• Profit share scheme


• Volunteer days


• Pension and life assurance


• Generous family-friendly leave


• Wellness benefits and mental health support


• Additional benefits including cycle to work and other lifestyle perks

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Leeds, with hybrid working (up to two days per week from home).

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.