Senior Corporate Lawyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Satellite office option

Parking at office

Job summary

Senior Corporate Lawyer role in a well-established Yorkshire law firm, with a clear succession pathway to Head of Corporate Department. Lead a varied caseload, mentor junior lawyers, and shape the department's future while enjoying hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days flexible) and a satellite office option. London-based?

No, based in Keighley/West Yorkshire area with flexibility to relocate. You will manage corporate and commercial matters, develop client relationships, and contribute

Qualifications

• 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 Keighley or surrounding Yorkshire areas.

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).
• 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 for hands-on mentorship and team development.
• Shaping the strategic direction of the corporate department in collaboration with firm leadership.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor

5+ years PQE

Corporate & Commercial Law

M&A and share transactions

Client relationship management

Leadership ambition

Hybrid working

Keighley/Yorkshire relocation

Job description

Senior Corporate Lawyer

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

Location: Keighley Area, Yorkshire

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 Keighley 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 Keighley 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 Keighley 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: Keighley, 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: Bradford, Skipton, Halifax, Leeds, Shipley, Bingley, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas.