Solicitor - Corporate and Commercial in Manchester

About HF People. Not just lawyers. We’re not your typical law firm – we’re people with a passion for helping our clients and each other achieve the best possible outcomes. We are leading legal advisers to the insurance and commercial sectors across the UK & Ireland, known for our innovation, client focus, and long-lasting relationships. We do things differently, with a forward-thinking approach built around our clients’ needs, supported by cutting-edge technology and a culture built around people from a wide range of backgrounds who are taking an equally wide range of routes to building their careers in law.

The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality legal support within HF’s Commercial Dispute Resolution team, acting on a broad range of complex corporate and commercial disputes. The post-holder will manage their own caseload (with supervision where required), lead key workstreams on larger matters, and deliver commercially focused advice to FTSE 100, Euro 250 and other major corporate clients. The role supports HF’s growth strategy and offers significant exposure to cross-departmental work within the wider Corporate and Commercial Services teams. You will contribute to client relationship management, litigation strategy, team development and business development initiatives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Case Management & Legal Work
  • Manage appropriate matters independently.
  • Lead substantial workstreams on larger disputes, including drafting key documents, disclosure management, preparation for hearings and ADR, and stakeholder liaison.
  • Draft, review and take ownership of litigation documents, including:
  • Pre-action correspondence and strategic notes
  • Statements of case and amendments
  • Applications and supporting evidence
  • Witness statements
  • Instructions to counsel and expert briefs
  • Settlement documentation
  • Shape and manage disclosure exercises, including e-disclosure platform work, proportionate review strategies and quality control of junior resource.
  • Support early case assessments and pre-litigation reviews.
• Hearings & ADR
  • Prepare for hearings, mediations and arbitrations, including:
  • Bundles
  • Chronologies
  • Case summaries
  • Skeleton arguments and position statements
  • Attend hearings/ADR as a key member of the team.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Liaise directly with clients, counsel, experts and third parties.
  • Contribute to matter planning, fee discipline and service delivery consistent with leading disputes teams.
• Team & Knowledge Development
  • Mentor and support junior team members.
  • Share know-how and deliver internal training.
• Business Development
  • Support the firm’s growth through:
  • Pitch materials and credentials
  • Client updates and thought leadership
  • Relationship-building with clients and referrers
  • Developing internal and external networks

What do I need?

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Commercial litigation and/or dispute resolution experience.
• Strong experience in:
• Drafting pleadings and evidence
• Managing disclosure
• Advising on procedural strategy
• Progressing matters through key litigation stages

What’s in it for you?

Apart from the competitive salary you’d expect, our package of benefits reflects our values of partnership, innovation, and being real people. We’re committed to creating a dynamic workplace where everyone feels supported, empowered, and part of our success.

You’ll Enjoy:

• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
• Life Insurance & Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme & Digital GP services
• Pension Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave
• Hybrid & Flexible Working Options
• Discounted Gym Membership & Employee Discount Hub
• Flu & Eyecare Vouchers – and more!