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 is a well‑established Yorkshire‑based law firm with a diverse client portfolio spanning Industry, Manufacturing and Commercial sectors. It is seeking an ambitious Senior Corporate Lawyer as part of a strategic succession plan. The current Head of Corporate Department is approaching retirement, offering a genuine pathway to departmental leadership within a supportive, established firm.
Why This Role Stands Out
* Clear Succession Plan – a defined pathway to Head of Department.
* Leadership From Day One – take ownership of a varied corporate caseload while mentoring junior team members and shaping the department’s future direction.
* Genuine Flexibility – based in Keighley with the option to co‑create a new satellite office in a preferred location.
* Established Platform – you step into a department with strong foundations, loyal clients and a reputation built over many years.
The Role: What You’ll Be Doing
As Senior Corporate Lawyer you will manage a high‑quality caseload of corporate and commercial matters while 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 and 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 a 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, leadership responsibilities from day one, partnership potential, full support for professional development and leadership training, autonomy to shape the department’s future direction and growth strategy.
* 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.
* 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).
* Parking available at office location.
* Strong firm reputation – built on decades of goodwill and client trust.
* Established client base – inherit strong relationships and loyal clients.
* Junior team support – NQ solicitor and apprentice to assist with your caseload.
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.
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 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.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion about this succession planning opportunity, please contact:
* Lee Hawthorne‑Finch
* Email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
* Phone: 0333 996 2882
All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
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