Corporate & Commercial Associate Legal Director

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious international law firm in Manchester seeks a Corporate & Commercial Associate or Legal Director. This role involves delivering sophisticated corporate advice on high-profile transactions and providing excellent client service. Candidates must be qualified solicitors with 4-8 years of PQE, strong skills in corporate law, and experience in client relationship management. The firm offers a competitive remuneration package, a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and an exceptional work culture that promotes growth and collaboration.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive private medical insurance

Generous pension scheme

Flexible hybrid working model

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law.
• Experience in UK corporate transactions including M&A, private equity, or corporate finance.
• Strong capability in drafting and negotiating complex agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and commercial transactions.
• Manage complex matters independently while collaborating with partners.
• Develop and nurture client relationships with a business development focus.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Excellent organizational skills

Strong technical capability

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Proven track record of managing client relationships

Education

Qualified Solicitor

4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law

Job description

Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director

Location: Manchester City Centre

Leading International Firm

Join a powerhouse international law firm and shape your career working on transformative corporate deals.

Our client a prestigious Top 100 international law firm with a significant global footprint is seeking an exceptional Corporate & Commercial Associate or Legal Director to join their dynamic Manchester office. This is a rare opportunity to work on market-leading transactions whilst enjoying the collaborative culture and outstanding resources of a firm that truly invests in its people.

The Role

As a Corporate & Commercial Associate/Legal Director youll play a pivotal role in delivering sophisticated corporate advice to an impressive portfolio of national and international clients. Youll work on high-profile transactions that challenge and develop your expertise whilst being supported by experienced partners and a collaborative team environment.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and commercial transactions
• Managing complex matters independently whilst collaborating with partners on strategic deals
• Developing and nurturing client relationships with a focus on business development
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating high-value commercial agreements
• Providing commercially astute advice to clients across multiple industry sectors
• Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors and trainees
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the Manchester corporate practice

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with 4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law
• Demonstrable experience in UK corporate transactions including M&A, private equity or corporate finance
• Strong technical capability in drafting and negotiating complex agreements
• Proven track record of managing client relationships and delivering exceptional service
• Commercial acumen with the ability to provide pragmatic business-focused advice
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Experience gained within a Top 100 or international law firm
• Sector expertise in areas such as technology, energy, financial services or healthcare
• Evidence of business development activity or client origination
• Experience supervising and developing junior team members

Whats On Offer

Competitive Remuneration Package:

• Salary: 60,000 - 100,000 (commensurate with experience and PQE)
• Performance-related bonus scheme rewarding individual and firm-wide success
• Comprehensive private medical insurance covering you and your dependants
• Generous pension scheme with substantial employer contributions
• Life assurance and income protection for financial security

• Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partnership
• Extensive training and development programmes tailored to your career aspirations
• Opportunities for secondments to other UK and international offices
• Mentorship and coaching from senior partners and practice leaders
• Support for professional qualifications and continuous learning

• Flexible hybrid working model with home and office working options
• Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus bank holidays increasing with tenure)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave policies
• Wellbeing support including employee assistance programme and mental health resources
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life integration

• Manchester city centre location with excellent transport connections
• Modern, state-of-the-art office facilities with collaborative workspaces
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional membership fees and subscriptions fully covered
• Regular social events, networking opportunities and firm-wide celebrations
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and pro bono work

Location & Working Arrangements

Based in the firm’s Manchester city centre office youll work in a vibrant contemporary environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The office is highly accessible via public transport and offers excellent amenities. The firm’s hybrid working policy provides flexibility to balance office presence with remote working, ensuring you can work in the way that suits you best.

Why This Opportunity

This role represents an outstanding opportunity to join a firm that combines international reach with regional strength. Youll work on sophisticated high-value matters whilst benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. Whether youre an ambitious associate looking to progress or ready to step into a Legal Director role this position offers the platform, resources and client base to accelerate your career whilst working on genuinely interesting and challenging matters. The firm’s commitment to its Manchester office combined with its collaborative approach and investment in talent makes this an exceptional opportunity for a corporate lawyer seeking their next career move.

Next Steps

If youre a talented corporate lawyer ready to take the next step in your career with a leading international firm we want to hear from you.

To apply or arrange a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Legal Recruitment Consultant
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email:
Website: Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for this role.

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

Required Experience:

Director