Corporate Lawyer
13 hours ago
Bradford
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. How to Apply If you're 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 Email: Phone: 0333 996 2882 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.