Senior Corporate Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Professional subscriptions covered

Parking available

Job summary

Yorkshire law firm in Bradford is seeking a Senior Corporate Lawyer to join a strategic succession plan and lead the corporate department. The role offers a defined pathway to Head of Department, with hybrid work (3 days in-office, 2 days flexible) and mentoring responsibility from day one.

You will handle a varied corporate & commercial caseload, guide junior lawyers, and help shape the department's future direction within an established practice.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law
• Strong technical expertise in corporate transactions (formations, share sales/purchases, M&A, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, business restructures)
• Proven track record managing a varied corporate caseload independently with minimal supervision
• Experience mentoring and developing junior lawyers or trainees
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to client advice
• Leadership ambition with genuine interest in progressing to Head of Department
• Commitment to hybrid working (3 days office-based, 2 days flexible)
• Based in or willing to relocate to Bradford or surrounding Yorkshire areas

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-quality caseload of corporate and commercial matters and prepare for departmental leadership.
• Advise clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors on a broad range of corporate transactions.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers (NQ solicitor and apprentice).
• Build strong client relationships and act as trusted adviser to established and growing businesses.
• Contribute to business development through networking, client development, and thought leadership.
• Play a key role in succession planning and preparing for Head of Department responsibilities.
• Office-based 3 days per week to provide hands-on mentorship and team development.
• Shape the strategic direction of the corporate department in collaboration with firm leadership.

Skills

Corporate & Commercial Law

M&A and shares

Client relationship management

Mentoring juniors

Leadership ambition

Hybrid working

Bradford relocation

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Senior Corporate Lawyer

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + Excellent Benefits

Location: Bradford

Clear Path to Head of Department

Are you ready to step into a leadership role with a clear succession plan? This is your opportunity to become Head of Department within an established Yorkshire law firm.

Our client, a well-established Yorkshire-based law firm with a rich heritage and diverse client portfolio spanning Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors, is seeking an ambitious Senior Corporate Lawyer as part of a strategic succession plan. With the current Head of Corporate Department approaching retirement, this role offers a genuine pathway to departmental leadership within a supportive, established firm.

Why This Role Stands Out

Clear Succession Plan – Join with a defined pathway to Head of Department as the current head prepares for retirement. This isn't a distant possibility – it's a structured succession opportunity.

Leadership from Day One – Take ownership of a varied corporate caseload whilst mentoring junior team members and shaping the department's future direction.

Genuine Flexibility – Based in Bradford with the option to work with the firm to establish a new satellite office in your preferred location.

Established Platform – Step into a department with strong foundations, loyal clients, and a reputation built over many years, ready for you to lead into the future.

The Role: What You'll Be Doing

As Senior Corporate Lawyer, you will manage a high-quality caseload of corporate and commercial matters whilst preparing to take on departmental leadership responsibilities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Managing your own caseload of corporate and commercial matters independently, including company formations, share sales and purchases, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, and business restructures
• Advising clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors on a broad range of corporate transactions and commercial matters
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers (NQ solicitor and apprentice) who will form the foundation of the department's future
• Building strong client relationships and acting as a trusted adviser to established and growing businesses
• Contributing to business development through networking, client development, and thought leadership
• Playing a key role in succession planning and preparing for Head of Department responsibilities
• Being office-based 3 days per week to provide hands-on mentorship and team development
• Shaping the strategic direction of the corporate department in collaboration with firm leadership

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law
• Strong technical expertise in corporate transactions (company formations, share sales/purchases, M&A, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, business restructures)
• Proven track record of managing a varied corporate caseload independently with minimal supervision
• Experience mentoring and developing junior lawyers or trainees
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills
• Commercial awareness and pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to client advice
• Leadership ambition with genuine interest in progressing to Head of Department
• Commitment to hybrid working (3 days office-based, 2 days flexible)
• Based in or willing to relocate to Bradford or surrounding Yorkshire areas

Highly Desirable

• Sector experience working with Industry, Manufacturing, or Commercial clients
• Demonstrated business development success in corporate law
• Experience in succession planning or departmental leadership roles
• Track record of team development and building high-performing legal teams
• Strong negotiation skills and experience handling complex transactions
• Involvement in strategic planning or departmental management

What's on Offer: Your Benefits Package

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 (dependent on experience, PQE, and leadership readiness)

Career Development:

• Clear succession pathway to Head of Corporate Department (structured timeline)
• Leadership responsibilities from day one with mentorship and strategic input
• Partnership potential as the department and your role develop
• Full support for professional development and leadership training
• Autonomy to shape the department's future direction and growth strategy

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid working model – 3 days office-based, 2 days flexible (home or alternative location)
• Flexible office location – based in Bradford with option to establish a satellite office
• Modern working environment with supportive infrastructure

Professional Benefits:

• Established client base – inherit strong relationships and loyal clients
• Junior team support – NQ solicitor and apprentice to assist with your caseload
• Strong firm reputation – leverage decades of goodwill and client trust
• Diverse client base – work with Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sector clients across Yorkshire
• CPD and training support – ongoing professional development and leadership training

Additional Benefits:

• Competitive salary with scope for performance-based increases and progression
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional subscriptions covered (Law Society, SRA fees)
• Supportive, collaborative culture within an established firm
• Parking available at office location

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with a history spanning many years and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services. They work with a diverse portfolio of clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors, providing bespoke legal solutions with a personal touch.

The firm is at a pivotal stage with the current Head of Corporate Department. This creates a unique opportunity for an ambitious corporate lawyer to step into a leadership role with full support, established foundations, and a clear succession timeline.

Location & Working Arrangements

Office Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire

Satellite Office Option: The firm is open to establishing a new satellite office in a location that suits the right candidate, providing genuine flexibility for your work-life balance.

Hybrid Working: 3 days office-based (for team mentorship, client meetings, and departmental leadership), 2 days flexible working from home or alternative location.

Parking: Available at office location.

Commutable From: Leeds, Halifax, Keighley, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Shipley, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas.