Corporate & Commercial Associate Legal Director

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious international law firm in Leeds seeks a Corporate & Commercial Associate or Legal Director to join their team. This opportunity focuses on high-value complex transactions, offering substantial career growth and a competitive remuneration package. The ideal candidate will have 4-8 years of PQE, outstanding drafting and negotiation skills, and strong client relationship management abilities. The firm provides hybrid working, substantial benefits, and the chance to develop within a leading legal environment.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus scheme

Comprehensive private medical insurance

Generous pension contribution scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave entitlement

Qualifications

• 4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law.
• Experience in UK corporate transactions, M&A, and commercial contracts.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team success.

Responsibilities

• Advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.
• Managing own caseload while supporting partners on high-value transactions.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships with a focus on business development.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor with 4-8 years PQE

Strong technical drafting and negotiation skills

Excellent client relationship management

Commercial awareness and business development

Outstanding communication skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Job Description

Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director

Salary : 60000 - 100000

Location : Leeds City Centre

Top-Tier International Firm

Are you an ambitious corporate lawyer ready to take the next step in your career with a leading international law firm

Our client a prestigious Top 100 international law firm with a strong presence across the UK and globally is seeking a talented Corporate & Commercial Associate or Legal Director to join their thriving Leeds office. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-value complex transactions whilst benefiting from the resources and reputation of a major player in the legal market.

The Role

As a Corporate & Commercial Associate / Legal Director you’ll be at the heart of sophisticated corporate transactions advising clients across diverse sectors on their most important business matters. You’ll work alongside experienced partners and collaborate with colleagues across multiple offices gaining exposure to work that genuinely makes a difference to businesses nationally and internationally.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Advising on mergers and acquisitions corporate restructuring and commercial contracts
• Managing your own caseload whilst supporting partners on high-value transactions
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships with a focus on business development
• Drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Providing strategic commercial advice to clients across various industry sectors
• Mentoring and supervising junior team members
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of the Leeds corporate team

About You

Essential Requirements :

• Qualified Solicitor with 4-8 years PQE in corporate and commercial law
• Proven experience in UK corporate transactions including M&A and commercial contracts
• Strong technical drafting and negotiation skills
• Excellent client relationship management abilities
• Commercial awareness and business development mindset
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively to team success
• Outstanding communication skills both written and verbal

Desirable :

• Experience working within a Top 100 or international law firm environment
• Sector-specific expertise (e.g. technology healthcare energy or financial services)
• Demonstrable track record of business development or client origination

Whats On Offer

Competitive Remuneration Package :

• Salary : 60000 - 100000 (dependent on experience and PQE level)
• Performance-based bonus scheme linked to individual and firm success
• Comprehensive private medical insurance for you and your family
• Generous pension contribution scheme
• Income protection and life assurance

Career Development :

• Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner level
• Access to extensive training programmes and professional development opportunities
• Secondment opportunities across UK and international offices
• Mentorship from experienced partners and senior lawyers

Work-Life Balance :

• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility to work from home
• Generous annual leave entitlement (25 days plus bank holidays increasing with service)
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programme

Additional Benefits :

• Modern collaborative office space in Leeds city centre with excellent transport links
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional subscriptions and Law Society fees paid
• Regular social events and firm-wide initiatives
• Commitment to diversity inclusion and corporate social responsibility

Location & Working Arrangements

Based in the firm’s Leeds city centre office you’ll benefit from a vibrant collaborative working environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The office is easily accessible by public transport and offers flexible hybrid working allowing you to balance office collaboration with home working as appropriate.

Why This Opportunity

This role offers the perfect combination of challenging high-quality work genuine career progression and work‑life balance. You’ll be joining a firm that invests in its people values diversity of thought and provides the platform for ambitious lawyers to build rewarding long‑term careers.

Whether you’re looking to develop your expertise further at associate level or ready to step up to Legal Director this opportunity provides the environment support and client base to achieve your professional goals.

Next Steps

If you’re a driven corporate lawyer looking for your next challenge with a leading international firm we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence please contact :

Lee Hawthorne-Finch

Legal Recruitment Consultant

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this role.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.