Corporate Lawyer 1-5 PQE

Haggerty Jaques; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected international law firm in Manchester is seeking a Corporate Associate with 1-5 years of PQE to join their collaborative team. This role involves advising on M&A transactions, drafting transaction documents, and managing corporate reorganisations. The firm offers competitive remuneration, a strong support system for progression, and a culture that values client relationships and well-being. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for substantial responsibilities and career growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Thoughtfully designed benefits package

Qualifications

• A qualified solicitor with around 1-5 years’ PQE.
• Experienced in corporate transactional work, particularly M&A.
• Organized and capable of managing matters with autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Advise on M&A transactions and business disposals.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents.
• Manage corporate reorganisations, joint ventures, and shareholder arrangements.

Skills

Corporate transactional work

M&A experience

Client service orientation

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Corporate | Associate | 1 – 5 PQE

Manchester | Hybrid Working

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package

We’re working with a highly respected international law firm that continues to invest heavily in its Manchester office and its Corporate capability.

Our client is looking to appoint two Corporate Associates into an established, collaborative team advising on high-quality UK and international transactions. This is a role for lawyers who enjoy proper deal exposure, responsibility at the right pace, and working alongside people who support progression.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to join a Corporate team that combines the depth and sophistication of a major international practice with the energy and accessibility of a regional office that really matters to the wider firm.

The Manchester team works closely with colleagues across the UK but has its own identity, client base and momentum. You’ll be involved in a broad mix of transactional work, with early client contact and the opportunity to take ownership as your experience grows.

Progression is taken seriously here - development is structured, expectations are clear, and support is tangible rather than theoretical.

The Work

You’ll be advising on a wide range of corporate matters, including:

• M&A transactions and business disposals
• Private equity and investment work
• Share and asset acquisitions
• Due diligence and disclosure processes
• Drafting and negotiating core and ancillary transaction documents
• Corporate reorganisations, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements

The work is varied, with client exposure from an early stage and a culture that is mature, respectful and human.

About You

You’ll likely be:

• A qualified solicitor with around 1–5 years’ PQE
• Experienced in corporate transactional work – especially M&A - within a comparable firm environment
• Organised and trusted to manage matters with increasing autonomy
• Someone who cares about client service and long-term relationships

Reward & Culture

The remuneration sits comfortably at the top end of the Manchester market for this level, with clear progression as you move through the ranks.

Beyond salary, the firm offers a thoughtfully designed benefits package and is widely recognised for its commitment to flexible working, family life and wellbeing. This is a place where people build long-term careers.

Why Manchester?

Manchester continues to be one of the most exciting legal markets in the UK - ambitious, outward-looking and commercially diverse.

This firm’s office is centrally located and well connected. For those considering relocation, the combination of high-quality work and realistic working patterns makes this a compelling move.

If you’re a Corporate Associate who wants great work, proper support and a clear future, this is a conversation well worth having.

At Haggerty Jaques, we welcome applications from lawyers at all PQE levels who feel they have the right skills and experience for this role. If you believe this opportunity suits your background, we would be delighted to hear from you!