Lead Solicitor

JR United Kingdom; Warrington; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic law firm in Greater Manchester is seeking a Lead Solicitor to spearhead its transformation and growth. You will manage a small team, oversee daily operations, and implement new systems while driving expansion in key areas like wills and probate. This role offers autonomy and a competitive salary package with performance incentives, making it ideal for a motivated legal leader passionate about innovation and tradition.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Performance incentives

Strong support structure

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ post-qualification experience, ideally with management experience.
• Strong understanding of consumer litigation and willingness to learn about wills and probate.
• Proven experience in leading teams and managing legal operations.

Responsibilities

• Take over management from retiring principal lawyer.
• Lead and develop the existing team with a performance-driven culture.
• Oversee operations and implement new systems for efficiency.
• Define the firm's identity during its rebrand and strategic repositioning.
• Drive growth in wills/probate and consumer litigation areas.

Skills

Post-qualification experience

Team leadership

Consumer litigation

Wills and probate knowledge

Change management

Job description

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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.