Senior Corporate Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Yorkshire law firm is seeking a Senior Corporate Lawyer to take on departmental leadership with a path to Head of Department. This role requires at least 5 years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law and offers a competitive salary between £60,000 - £80,000 along with excellent benefits. You'll manage corporate matters, mentor junior lawyers, and shape the future direction of the department within a supportive environment. Flexible hybrid working arrangements are also available.

Benefits

Clear succession pathway

Professional development support

Pension scheme with employer contributions

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Competitive salary with performance-based increases

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law required.
• Proven ability to manage a varied corporate caseload independently.
• Experience in mentoring junior lawyers or trainees is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-quality caseload of corporate and commercial matters.
• Advise clients on a broad range of corporate transactions.
• Mentor and supervise junior legal staff.

Skills

Corporate transactions

Client relationship management

Team mentoring

Business development

Leadership ambition

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 5 years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law

Tools

Legal software

Job description

Overview

Senior Corporate Lawyer

Salary: 60000 - 80000 Excellent Benefits • Location: Skipton Area

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: a clear succession plan with a defined pathway to Head of Department, the opportunity to lead from day one with ownership of a varied corporate caseload, and flexibility including potential satellite office setup.

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

The Role: What Youll 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 Were 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 Skipton or surrounding North Yorkshire areas

Highly Desirable

• Sector experience 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: 60000 - 80000 (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

Flexible office location based in Skipton 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 for 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 long history 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: Skipton, North 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 (team mentorship, client meetings and departmental leadership) 2 days flexible working from home or alternative location.

Parking: Available at office location

Commutable From: Keighley, Harrogate, Ilkley, Bradford, Leeds, Settle and surrounding North and West Yorkshire areas

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Corporate Lawyer with 5 years PQE looking for a senior role with a clear succession plan to Head of Department, we want to hear from you.

This is a rare opportunity to join an established firm with genuine leadership progression, supportive foundations and the autonomy to shape a department’s future.

Take the Next Step

For a confidential discussion about this succession planning opportunity please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

Phone: 0 | Email: 0

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We provide full transparency throughout the recruitment process and all candidates are contacted only with written consent.

About Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

We are an independent recruitment agency specialising in legal and accountancy recruitment across the UK. We pride ourselves on our ethical practices, transparency and personalised service. We provide comprehensive support including CV reviews, interview preparation and career coaching throughout the recruitment process.

Our commitment: We prioritise candidate alignment over quick placements, ensuring the right fit for both candidate and client.

Required Experience: Senior IC

Key Skills

• Business Risk
• Compliance
• Intellectual Property Law
• Policy Management
• Risk Analysis
• Bar
• Banking
• Conflict Management
• Supreme Court
• Reporting
• Business Objectives
• Client Management

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1