Senior Associate

Senior Associate – Corporate & Commercial Law
Manchester | Permanent | Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
This isn't your typical law firm opportunity.
You won't find a culture built around internal politics, unnecessary hierarchy or the idea that working the most insane hours somehow makes you the best lawyer.
Instead, you'll find high-quality work, plenty of it, and smart people who genuinely enjoy working with one another – within a collegiate, supportive environment where you're trusted to do a great job and recognised for the contribution you make.
We're supporting a progressive and growing law firm in Manchester as they continue to invest in and expand their Corporate & Commercial practice.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Corporate Solicitor or Senior Associate who wants more than simply another caseload. The firm is looking for someone who can take ownership of transactions, build meaningful client relationships and play an important role in shaping the future of the team.
The opportunity
Working closely with the Head of Commercial, you'll join a small but ambitious team with an established client base and genuine opportunities for further growth.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Leading corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, disposals, reorganisations, restructurings and private equity matters.
* Drafting, negotiating and advising on shareholder agreements, investment agreements and other corporate documentation.
* Providing commercially focused advice on corporate governance, shareholder arrangements and wider business matters.
* Managing transactions independently, coordinating stakeholders and delivering practical solutions for clients.
* Developing relationships with existing clients, internal referrers and external business partners.
* Identifying opportunities to generate new instructions and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
* Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and trainees.
* Working alongside the leadership team to influence the practice's development and future direction.
Who we're looking for
We're particularly interested in speaking with experienced Corporate Solicitors and Senior Associates who combine strong technical ability with commercial awareness and an interest in helping build a growing practice.
Ideally, you'll bring:
* Significant post-qualification experience in corporate law, gained within private practice.
* Strong transactional experience across M&A, corporate reorganisations, restructurings and shareholder matters.
* The ability to manage transactions independently, from initial instruction through to completion.
* Experience advising business owners, shareholders, investors and corporate clients.
* Strong drafting, negotiation and client relationship skills.
* An interest in business development, building client relationships and contributing to the growth of a team.
* The confidence to supervise and support more junior colleagues.
You don't necessarily need an established following, but you should enjoy developing relationships, identifying opportunities and taking a proactive approach to your work.
Why consider it?
We've worked closely with the firm for some time and have successfully helped them appoint a number of lawyers and legal professionals.
What has consistently stood out is the culture.
There's high-quality work and an established pipeline of clients, but without some of the politics and unnecessary hierarchy associated with more traditional law firms. People collaborate, share work and genuinely seem to enjoy working together.
It's also a firm that's investing and growing, creating opportunities for ambitious lawyers to take on greater responsibility rather than waiting for someone above them to move.
Other benefits include:
* Competitive salary, annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
* Hybrid working and a genuine commitment to work–life balance.
* 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
* Private medical and dental cover, life assurance and income protection.
* Excellent pension and wider benefits.
* Opportunities for leadership, professional development and career progression.
* The backing and resources of a substantial international group, combined with the accessibility and entrepreneurial feel of a progressive law firm.
Location: Manchester
Position: Senior Associate – Corporate & Commercial Law
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, plus bonus and benefits.
If you're an experienced Corporate Lawyer who enjoys the work but wonders whether there might be a better environment in which to do it, I'd be very happy to have a confidential conversation.
All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.