Corporate Legal Director

JMC Legal Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Exeter is seeking a Senior Corporate Legal Director to shape strategy and lead client relationships. The ideal candidate has a solid background in corporate transactions and is ready to work closely with clients. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and strong opportunities for progression, including partnership. Flexible working arrangements are available, but some presence in Exeter is required.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Private healthcare

Enhanced parental policies

Sabbaticals

Focus on wellbeing and development

Qualifications

• Operating at Legal Director, Principal Associate, or experienced Managing Associate level.
• Strong background in corporate transactions.
• Confidence to work directly with clients and an understanding of their businesses.

Responsibilities

• Advise private equity-backed businesses on growth and development.
• Lead client relationships and strategy creation.
• Contribute to team projects and internal promotion opportunities.

Skills

Corporate transactions

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Commercial mindset

Job description

Corporate Legal Director / Principal Associate - Exeter

A leading UK law firm is looking to appoint a senior corporate lawyer into its Exeter office. This is a high-impact role suited to someone who wants more than just transactional work - someone ready to shape strategy, lead client relationships, and take an active role in the growth of a dynamic and commercially focused team.

The work centres on advising private equity-backed businesses and corporate groups on all aspects of their growth and development. That includes acquisitions and disposals, group reorganisations, joint ventures, and designing long-term strategic programmes to support expansion and investment.

This is a visible, client-facing position, with the freedom to make a real contribution from day one. There's plenty of opportunity to bring ideas to the table, lead projects, and build something - with the full support of a collaborative and ambitious team.

The ideal candidate will already be operating at Legal Director, Principal Associate, or experienced Managing Associate level, with a strong background in corporate transactions. A commercial mindset is essential, along with the confidence to work directly with clients and a genuine interest in understanding how their businesses operate.

This role also offers a clear and structured path to progression, including to partnership, within a team that has a strong track record of internal promotion.

Flexible working is available, though some office presence in Exeter will be important to stay close to clients and the wider team.

The package includes a competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, enhanced parental policies, sabbaticals, and a strong focus on wellbeing and development.

Interested candidates are invited to apply with a CV and short note outlining their interest. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.