Lawyer in Manchester

PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

As part of PKF’s growing Legal function, the Lawyer will deliver clear, commercial and pragmatic legal advice that supports PKF’s strategic priorities, operational needs, and culture of accountability, collaboration and respect. This role is suited to a lawyer who enjoys being embedded in the business, acting as a trusted adviser, and helping teams navigate legal, regulatory and contractual issues with confidence and clarity. You will work closely with the General Counsel and internal stakeholders across all Divisions, contributing to a high‑performing, approachable and solutions‑focused legal team that is integral to PKF’s success.

• Commercial & Operational Advisory: Provide timely, practical legal advice across a range of commercial matters, including technology contracts, procurement, NDAs, consultancy agreements, services agreements, data terms and confidentiality provisions. Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts in a way that balances commercial objectives with risk management. Support business units in understanding contractual obligations, negotiating with suppliers and clients, and escalating issues appropriately.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Contribute to PKF’s governance frameworks, including policy drafting, updates and compliance processes. Support risk identification and mitigation across workstreams, ensuring PKF’s legal, regulatory and ethical obligations are met. Advise on data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property and related regulatory requirements, with guidance founded on PKF’s operational context.
• Strategic Partnership & Collaboration: Act as an accessible and trusted adviser to internal stakeholders, modelling PKF’s values of respect, integrity and teamwork. Build strong working relationships across the Business and Finance, HR, Risk, IT, Technical and Compliance, and operational teams. Help embed a culture of early legal engagement, proactively identifying issues before they escalate.
• Dispute, Issue & Incident Management: Provide support on contentious or pre‑contentious matters, including complaints, claims, regulatory requests, escalations and sensitive issues. Work collaboratively with external counsel where appropriate, managing instructions efficiently and cost effectively.
• Contribution to a High‑Performing Legal Team: Support the General Counsel in strengthening legal processes, developing templates, streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency. Provide guidance to junior team members, secondees or business colleagues as required. Help build PKF’s legal knowledge base and drive continuous improvement.

Person Specification

• Solicitor qualified in England & Wales (or equivalent), with 4–6 years’ post‑qualification experience.
• Strong commercial contracts experience (in‑house or private practice), ideally supporting professional services, technology, consulting, audit, or regulated environments.
• Excellent drafting skills with an ability to simplify complex issues and communicate them clearly.
• A pragmatic, solution‑orientated mindset with sound judgement and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate independently and remain calm under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working in or supporting professional services firms.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as data protection/GDPR, confidentiality requirements, procurement processes, and legal risk management.
• Understanding of cross‑functional dynamics across the Business, HR, Data, Risk and Technology.