Legal Director - Corporate Law

Trades Workforce Solutions; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected law firm in Ipswich is seeking a Legal Director to lead high-value corporate transactions and mentor junior solicitors. The role requires over 10 years of PQE in corporate/M&A law, where you’ll advise on legal risks and deal structures whilst fostering strong client relationships. Benefits include a competitive salary range of £100,000–£130,000+, generous holiday, private healthcare, and a hybrid working environment. Join a supportive and collaborative team culture.

Benefits

30 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays

Private Healthcare after probation

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Subsidised gym membership

Agile/hybrid working

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ PQE in corporate/M&A law.
• Experience leading high-value, complex corporate transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end M&A transactions.
• Advise clients on legal risks and deal structures.
• Mentor junior solicitors and support business development.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Commercial acumen

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Legal Director – Corporate Law

Location: Ipswich | Salary: £100,000–£130,000+ | Leadership, High-Value Deals & Career Progression

Lead Complex Transactions and Shape the Future of a Thriving Corporate Practice

Are you a senior corporate solicitor ready to play a pivotal role in a high-performing, ambitious team?

Our client, a highly regarded law firm in Ipswich, offers you the platform to lead major transactions, develop client relationships, and mentor the next generation of legal talent—all with outstanding career prospects and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Opportunity

As Legal Director, you’ll be at the core of the firm’s corporate growth and development, advising on complex deals and supporting the continued expansion of the firmwide corporate practice. You’ll:

• Lead and manage end-to-end M&A transactions, including due diligence, drafting, negotiation, and completion
• Advise clients on legal risks, deal structures, and strategic implications
• Draft and negotiate complex documents (Heads of Terms, SPAs, shareholder and investment agreements)
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, trainees, and team members
• Build and maintain strong client and referrer relationships
• Drive business development and support marketing, networking, and thought leadership initiatives
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and firm policies

About You

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 10+ years’ PQE in corporate/M&A law
• Demonstrable experience leading high-value, complex corporate transactions
• Strong technical drafting, negotiation, and transactional leadership skills
• Commercially astute, analytical, and solutions-focused
• Proven ability to build client relationships and act as a trusted advisor
• Experience mentoring and developing junior colleagues
• Business development mindset and excellent communication skills
• Willingness to integrate into the Suffolk/East Anglia market (prior experience not essential)

Benefits & Rewards

• Competitive salary: £100,000–£130,000+ (DOE)
• 30 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Long service holiday award
• Private Healthcare after probation
• Enhanced Pension Scheme (5% employer/employee)
• Staff profit share & individual performance bonus
• Salary sacrifice options (pension, profit share)
• Life assurance (4x salary) & permanent health insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Subsidised gym membership & electric car scheme
• Agile/hybrid working & ‘Dress for your Day’ policy

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based in Ipswich, with agile/hybrid working available
• Supportive, collaborative team culture and modern office environment

Ready to Lead and Progress?

If you’re ready to take the next step as a Legal Director in a thriving corporate team, we’d love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion or further information, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director, Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
[e-mail]

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.