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
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