Senior Associate - Corporate

Mills & Reeve LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

Mills & Reeve LLP in Manchester is seeking a Senior Associate to join its nationally recognised Corporate team. You will lead M&A and private equity transactions, drafting and negotiating core documents while coordinating with Partners and other senior staff.

The role entails managing deal progression, developing client relationships, mentoring junior lawyers, and driving business development to support the Manchester team and national practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE in corporate law.
• Strong experience advising on corporate transactions, particularly M&A.
• Ability to lead transactions as the lead day-to-day fee earner with senior support.
• Experience of private equity transactions is advantageous but not essential.
• Commercially minded with excellent client relationship and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of M&A, private equity and other corporate transactions, supported by Partners and Principal Associates.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents and manage deal progression from start to finish.
• Collaborate with colleagues across teams and offices to deliver seamless client service on complex matters.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact throughout transactions.
• Support and supervise junior lawyers, helping to develop their technical and professional skills.
• Take an active role in business development, networking and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Manchester Corporate team and wider national practice.

Skills

M&A experience

Client relationship

Deal leadership

Mentoring juniors

Business development

Education

Qualified solicitor (UK)

PQE 4+ years

Job description

The role

Join a nationally recognised Corporate team as a Senior Associate in our Manchester office. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and entrepreneurial corporate lawyer looking to take the next step in their career. Working with a diverse client base, from high-growth start‑ups and university spin‑outs to established businesses, investors, management teams and institutions, you'll advise on a broad range of complex and high‑profile corporate matters.

The person

• Qualified solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE gained within a national, international or respected regional firm
• Strong experience advising on corporate transactions, particularly M&A
• Proven ability to manage transactions as the lead day‑to‑day fee earner, with appropriate senior support
• Experience of private equity transactions is advantageous but not essential
• Commercially minded with excellent client relationship and communication skills
• Enthusiastic about developing business opportunities and growing professional networks
• Collaborative team player who enjoys mentoring and supporting junior colleagues
• Motivated, ambitious and keen to build a long‑term career within a forward‑thinking firm

The activities

• Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of M&A, private equity and other corporate transactions, supported by Partners and Principal Associates
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents and manage deal progression from start to finish
• Collaborate with colleagues across teams and offices to deliver seamless client service on complex matters
• Build trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact throughout transactions
• Support and supervise junior lawyers, helping to develop their technical and professional skills
• Take an active role in business development, networking and marketing initiatives
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Manchester Corporate team and wider national practice

The benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.