Corporate Partner

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Private medical insurance

Pension contributions

Generous annual leave

Life assurance

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking an experienced Corporate Solicitor or Partner for a Manchester-based role offering autonomy to win new business. The role focuses on leading M&A, corporate finance, and private equity work, building a client base, and driving growth in the region.

The position provides a clear path to partnership, a market-leading bonus structure, hybrid/flexible working, and comprehensive benefits, with a salary up to £180,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Established Corporate Solicitor or Partner with experience across corporate matters.
• Proven or emerging track record in business development and winning work.
• Strong reputation in the North West market and portable client following (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Leading on a broad range of M&A, corporate finance, and private equity transactions.
• Advising on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and investment structures.
• Providing corporate governance advice and strategic commercial guidance.
• Driving business development activity, networking, and pipeline generation.
• Building and managing your own client base with support from national networks.
• Strengthening the firm's presence in the Manchester market.
• Contributing to regional strategy and growth of the corporate practice.
• Leading, mentoring, and developing junior lawyers within the team.

Skills

Corporate solicitor

Business development

Client relationship management

Job description

Corporate Solicitor / Partner – Up to £180,000 + Bonus + Benefits – Manchester

This opportunity offers an experienced corporate solicitor the platform to develop their profile within the Manchester market as a genuinely market-facing hire, with the autonomy and support to generate and win new business.

As a Corporate Solicitor / Partner, you will play a key role in driving the firm’s growth in Manchester, taking ownership of client relationships, developing new workstreams, and enhancing the firm’s presence in the region.

For the right individual, this role offers a clear pathway to partnership and long-term leadership, with the opportunity to shape the future direction of the Manchester corporate practice.

The Role

• Leading on a broad range of M&A, corporate finance, and private equity transactions
• Advising on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and investment structures
• Providing corporate governance advice and strategic commercial guidance
• Driving business development activity, networking, and pipeline generation
• Building and managing your own client base, supported by strong national referral networks
• Playing a key role in strengthening the firm’s presence in the Manchester market
• Contributing to regional strategy and the continued growth of the corporate practice
• Leading, mentoring, and developing junior lawyers within the team

The Candidate

• Established Corporate Solicitor or Partner with experience across a range of corporate matters
• Proven or emerging track record in business development and winning work
• Strong reputation within the North West market, ideally with a portable following
• Commercially astute with strong strategic judgement
• Ambitious, driven, and motivated to progress within a growing practice
• Confident in client relationship management, leadership, and team development

The Benefits

• Competitive basic salary up to £180,000 (depending on experience)
• Market-leading bonus structure
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance and pension contributions
• Clear and supported progression pathway to partnership and leadership

More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.