At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on business recovery and insolvency, managing complex matters and mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Wilkes, a leading independent Midlands law firm with a strong client focus.
- Benefits: 24 days annual leave, flexible working, enhanced family policies, and corporate discounts.
- Other info: Commitment to mental health and community involvement through CSR initiatives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team making a real impact in business recovery while maintaining work-life balance.
- Qualifications: 7+ years PQE in Business Recovery/Insolvency with strong technical and commercial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Wilkes
Wilkes is a leading independent Midlands law firm, recognised for its strong client relationships, commercial insight and high-quality legal advice. We act for a diverse client base including businesses, individuals, financiers and charities, and pride ourselves on delivering practical, solutions-focused advice. Our solicitors aim to be trusted advisers from the outset - combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of our clients’ commercial objectives. Client satisfaction sits at the heart of everything we do.
Alongside a competitive salary, Wilkes offers a supportive and inclusive working environment. While we are ambitious and client-focused, we do not promote the excessive-hours culture often associated with firms undertaking similar quality work. We actively support flexible working where possible and place genuine emphasis on wellbeing, work-life balance and long-term career development. This is supported by enhanced family-friendly policies and a firm-wide commitment to mental health. We also believe in making a positive impact within our local communities and encourage participation in our CSR initiatives.
Benefits include:
- 24 days’ annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days
- Matching pension contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance at 4x base salary
- Discounts on personal conveyancing and wills
- Corporate discounts on gym memberships, restaurants and leisure activities
- Annual flu vaccinations
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Business Recovery Solicitor (7+ years’ PQE) to join our established and growing Business Recovery team in Birmingham. This role will focus primarily on the non-contentious advisory side of business recovery and insolvency. The successful candidate will work closely with partners and colleagues across the team, advising clients on complex and often time-sensitive matters, managing relationships and providing commercially focused, strategic guidance. You will play a senior role within the team, supporting junior lawyers, contributing to practice development and helping to strengthen Wilkes’ reputation in this area.
The Business Recovery Team
Our Business Recovery team plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses and individuals through complex financial challenges. The team advises across the full spectrum of business recovery and insolvency matters, providing clear, strategic and pragmatic advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. We work closely with directors, insolvency practitioners, lenders and other professional advisers to deliver solutions during periods of corporate distress. Our work includes advising on company insolvency, restructuring, buying and selling insolvent businesses, directors’ duties and personal bankruptcy, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.
What we’re looking for:
- 7+ years’ PQE in Business Recovery / Insolvency
- Strong technical and commercial expertise
- Experience advising directors, companies and individuals in financially distressed situations
- Confidence managing complex advisory matters independently
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to mentor and support junior colleagues
- Clear, pragmatic communication and sound judgment
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- IT and case management skills
Senior Associate Solicitor - Business Recovery employer: Wilkes
Contact Detail:
Wilkes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate Solicitor - Business Recovery
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or classmates. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in business recovery and insolvency. Share specific examples of how you've helped clients navigate complex financial challenges. This will show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can add real value.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching Wilkes and understanding their approach to client relationships and business recovery. Think about how your skills align with their values and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their team. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Wilkes. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Solicitor - Business Recovery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Associate Solicitor role. Highlight your 7+ years of PQE in Business Recovery and any relevant experience you have advising clients in financially distressed situations. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about business recovery and how your experience makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative approach and commitment to client satisfaction, as these are key to us.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, be sure to showcase your strong technical and commercial expertise. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex advisory matters independently, so provide examples of how you’ve done this in the past. It’ll help us see your potential impact on our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of business recovery and insolvency. Familiarise yourself with recent case law and trends in the industry, as well as Wilkes' specific approach to client relationships and solutions-focused advice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in managing complex advisory matters. Be ready to share specific examples where you've successfully navigated financially distressed situations, highlighting your technical expertise and commercial insight.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Wilkes values a collaborative approach, so be prepared to talk about how you've mentored junior colleagues or worked effectively within a team. Share instances where your teamwork has led to successful outcomes for clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the firm's approach to work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and how they support their employees' wellbeing. This shows you're genuinely interested in their culture and values.