Senior Associate - Insolvency

Fieldfisher; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Dental insurance

Life assurance

Critical illness insurance

Pension contributions up to 7%

Holiday trading

Job summary

Fieldfisher in Manchester is seeking a Senior Associate to join the Restructuring & Insolvency team. You will supervise and mentor junior lawyers, manage key client relationships, and contribute to business development initiatives while delivering high-quality advice on complex insolvency matters.

You will work closely with colleagues across practice groups, supporting cross-border matters and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• At least 5 PQE in insolvency
• England and Wales qualified solicitor
• Experience from a reputable insolvency practice
• Excellent drafting and negotiating documentation skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities under pressure

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and trainees.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery.
• Contribute to business development initiatives including pitches and publications.
• Drive efficient matter management, budgeting and timely delivery.
• Collaborate across international offices and practice groups.
• Support knowledge management and process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and firm policies.

Skills

Legal drafting

Insolvency

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Education

England & Wales Qualified Solicitor

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We're a culture of diverse perspectives, where different experiences, ideas and ambitions come together to make us better. Across 28 offices in 14 countries, our people work collaboratively to help clients navigate complexity, create opportunities and drive positive change.

We believe exceptional work starts with exceptional people. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, can do meaningful work and has the support to develop their career and realise their potential.

Guided by our Values of People First, Embracing Environmental, Social and Governance, and Collaboration, we're building a firm that's ambitious, inclusive and fit for the future.

About the team

Our Restructuring & Insolvency team is recognised for advising on a broad range of complex and high-value matters, supporting insolvency practitioners, lenders, creditors, directors and businesses. Working closely with colleagues across Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Banking teams, the group delivers commercially focused advice on both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters.

This role offers the chance to work on a diverse caseload spanning directors' duties, cross border insolvency, restructuring, recovery actions and insolvency-related litigation.

As part of a wider European practice, the team collaborates with colleagues across the firm, providing exposure to complex and often multi-jurisdictional matters. The practice continues to grow, creating an exciting opportunity for ambitious lawyers to play a key role in its ongoing development while building strong client relationships and working alongside experienced specialists in the field.

Role Purpose

You’ll combine technical excellence with commercial insight, build trusted client relationships and the senior associate will play an important role in developing junior lawyers and growing the practice.

You’ll also contribute to business development activities, knowledge sharing and collaboration across the firm, helping shape the future success of both the team and our clients.

Our career development drivers set out what professionals are expected to demonstrate at each level of development. In this role, the Senior Associate will be expected to contribute across the following areas:

• Business and Financial Management e.g. contributes to the negotiation of profitable fee levels for a variety of clients.


• Client Focus e.g. able to work on large client matters with limited supervision.


• Working with People and Teams e.g. delegates work to more junior colleagues and manages their performance and manages upwards effectively by making best use of partner/director time.


• Business Development e.g. project manages business development activities and uses interaction to win new work from existing clients and contacts.


• Technical Skills e.g. has a comprehensive knowledge of specialist areas of law and recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and takes action.


• Knowledge and Innovation e.g. successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives within the team and client base and actively seeks publication or speaking opportunities.

What you'll do

• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and trainees, supporting their professional development.


• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service delivery and responsiveness.


• Contribute to business development initiatives including pitches, client presentations, publications, and industry events.


• Drive efficient matter management, financial discipline, and delivery against budgets and timelines.


• Collaborate effectively across international offices and practice groups.


• Support innovation, process improvement, and knowledge management initiatives within the practice.


• Ensure compliance with professional standards, firm policies, and regulatory obligations.

About You

We're looking for a lawyer who combines strong technical expertise with curiosity, commercial thinking and a collaborative mindset. You’ll enjoy building relationships, sharing knowledge and helping others develop, while remaining committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.

You’ll be someone who takes ownership, embraces new challenges and enjoys working as part of a supportive team where different perspectives are valued and everyone contributes to shared success.

Whether you’re already recognised for expertise in a particular area or looking to broaden your experience, you’ll be motivated by continuous learning and committed to developing both yourself and those around you.

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 5 PQE.


• England and Wales qualified.


• Experience from a reputable insolvency practice.


• Excellent drafting, negotiating documentation, managing transactions end-to-end, and analytical skills.


• Displays resilience and the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure with the ability to think laterally and solve complex problems.


• Delivers work efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality standards.


• Demonstrates ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to team development.


• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to client service and business development.


• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to contribute positively to team culture, promoting inclusion and collaboration effectively across global teams.

Who are we looking for?

• We don’t have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experiences can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.


• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.


• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.


• Come for the WOW views: Based on the 17th floor in No.1 Spinningfields, with views of the entire City.


• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You’ll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you’d like to study more closely.


• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion at Fieldfisher

At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place. Examples include extra time for assessments, accessible document formats, alternative interview formats, quiet rooms, or physical and technological accessibility support.

Please email [e-mail], and your enquiry will be treated with the strictest confidence.

For accessibility information on our Manchester office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher Manchester ¦ Fieldfisher

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.