Lead Solicitor

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A traditional law firm in Manchester is seeking a motivated Lead Solicitor to oversee its transformation and growth. The successful candidate will manage a small team, drive growth in key practice areas, and implement new systems and technologies. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the firm’s future while leveraging nearly three centuries of legal heritage. A competitive salary package with performance incentives is offered.

Benefits

Autonomy to shape firm direction

Strong support structure

Competitive salary package

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience in leading teams and managing legal operations.
• Strong understanding of wills, probate, and consumer litigation.

Responsibilities

• Manage transition from retiring principal lawyer.
• Lead and develop the existing team.
• Implement new systems and processes.
• Drive growth in wills and probate, consumer litigation.

Skills

Team leadership

Consumer litigation

Wills and probate knowledge

Proactive mindset

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Lead Solicitor - Exciting Leadership Opportunity in Historic Manchester Firm

Location: Greater Manchester

Position: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive + Performance Incentives

Are you an ambitious, entrepreneurial lawyer ready to lead a bold new chapter for a firm with deep roots?

We’re seeking a Lead Solicitor to take the helm of a Greater Manchester-based traditional law firm established in the 1700s, now entering a new era under fresh corporate ownership. With a rebrand and strategic transformation on the horizon, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a firm with nearly three centuries of legal heritage. As part of a wider group with a background in funding legal services, the successful candidate will have the financial and administrative support required to build something genuinely exciting.

About the Role:

As Lead Solicitor, you will:

• Take over from the retiring current principal lawyer, managing the transition and ensuring continuity of service and client care.
• Lead and develop the small existing team, creating a high-performing culture grounded in integrity, professionalism, and innovation.
• Oversee day-to-day operations while implementing new systems, processes, and technologies to ensure the firm operates efficiently and scales sustainably.
• Play a key role in the firm’s rebrand and strategic repositioning, helping define its identity and market presence in a competitive legal landscape.
• Drive growth in two key practice areas:
• Wills and probate services
• Consumer litigation (including undisclosed commission claims)

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a commercially minded legal professional who is excited by the challenge of transformation and growth. The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 7 years’ post-qualification experience (ideally with management or leadership experience).
• A strong understanding of and ability to lead on consumer litigation (including undisclosed commission litigation).
• A strong interest and willingness to develop knowledge in wills and probate.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing legal operations.
• Confidence to drive change and a proactive mindset to improve systems and client service delivery.
• A genuine interest in growing and evolving a legal business, balancing tradition with innovation.
• A strong understanding and ability to transact in wills and probate.
• A strong interest and willingness to develop knowledge in undisclosed commission litigation.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a larger group working on the revitalisation of a historic firm with an exciting future.
• Autonomy and influence to shape the direction of the firm, without the financial risk.
• A strong support structure behind you—business, legal, and operational.
• Competitive salary package with performance incentives.

Ready to lead something special?

If you're a motivated legal leader with vision and drive, we want to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’re excited by this opportunity.