Principal Associate - Restructuring & Insolvency

BCL Legal; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BCL Legal Limited in Manchester is seeking a Principal Associate in Restructuring & Insolvency to lead high-value non-contentious advisory work and transactional matters for a growing national practice.

You will work alongside renowned partners, developing client relationships, and contributing to the expansion of the practice across Manchester and beyond, with opportunities for leadership and progression within the firm.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' PQE in restructuring and insolvency.
• Experience across non-contentious advisory and transactional work.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and client relationship skills.
• Ability to develop business and cross-sell across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead non-contentious restructuring advisory and transactional matters.
• Advise lenders, investors, corporates and stakeholders.
• Work on domestic and international restructuring transactions.
• Supervise junior lawyers and collaborate with other practice areas.
• Develop and promote Manchester market presence.

Skills

Restructuring & Insolvency

Non-contentious advisory

Corporate transactions

Business development

Client relationship management

Job description

Principal Associate - Restructuring & Insolvency | Manchester| Growing National Practice | High-Value Transactions | Partnership Progression | Excellent Career Opportunity

We are working with a leading national law firm looking to appoint an experienced Restructuring & Insolvency Solicitor at Principal Associate level, based in Manchester.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Restructuring & Insolvency Solicitor looking to take the next step in their career, joining an expanding national practice with the opportunity to play a key role in developing and growing the firm's presence across the Manchester market.

The firm has an established national Finance & Restructuring group, alongside a dedicated Restructuring & Insolvency team advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. You will work closely with highly regarded Partners and benefit from the firm's strong corporate, finance and real estate offering to develop client relationships and generate new business.

The Opportunity:

• You will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of complex restructuring and insolvency matters, with a particular emphasis on non-contentious advisory and transactional work.
• Corporate restructuring and insolvency matters
• Non-contentious restructuring advisory work and transactions
• Domestic and international restructuring transactions
• Advising lenders, investors, corporates, directors and individuals in distressed situations
• Acting for insolvency practitioners and other key stakeholders
• Working closely with corporate, finance and real estate teams on complex matters
• Advising public bodies and other stakeholders on restructuring-related issues
• Managing high‑value and technically complex transactions

You will work closely with experienced Restructuring & Insolvency Partners, gaining exposure to sophisticated clients and high-quality domestic and international work.

A key aspect of the role will be helping to build and develop the practice across Manchester. You will have the opportunity to leverage the firm's established client base and broader service offering, develop your own contacts, generate new business and play a significant role in the continued growth of the team.

The position offers an excellent platform for an ambitious senior solicitor looking to combine high‑quality technical work with business development, client relationship management and long‑term career progression.

About You:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Restructuring & Insolvency Solicitor with at least 8 years' PQE, ideally gained within a firm recognised for its high‑quality restructuring and insolvency work.

• Corporate restructuring and insolvency
• Non-contentious restructuring advisory work
• Complex restructuring transactions
• Advising lenders, investors, corporates and other stakeholders
• Domestic and international transactional matters
• Managing matters independently and acting as the day‑to‑day fee earner
• Supervising and supporting junior team members
• Developing client relationships and contributing to business development

You will be technically strong, commercially minded and ambitious, with the drive to develop your own practice and establish a strong presence in the Manchester market.

You will also have excellent drafting and communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex matters under pressure. A collaborative approach and a commitment to delivering outstanding client service will be essential.

Why Apply?

• Join an expanding national Restructuring & Insolvency practice
• Play a key role in building and developing the practice
• Work alongside highly regarded restructuring and insolvency specialists
• Gain exposure to high‑value, complex domestic and international transactions
• Advise a diverse client base, including lenders, investors, corporates, directors and insolvency practitioners
• Benefit from the firm's established corporate, finance and real estate practices to support cross‑referrals and business development
• Take ownership of client relationships and develop your own practice
• Opportunity to supervise junior lawyers and contribute to the wider team's development
• Join a collaborative, ambitious and growing national team
• Excellent opportunity for an experienced solicitor looking to progress their career and increase their profile in the market

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Restructuring & Insolvency Solicitor with 8+ years' PQE looking to join a growing national practice, undertake high‑quality work and play a central role in developing a team across Manchester.