Corporate Lawyer

Senior Corporate Lawyer Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + Excellent Benefits Location: Bradford Clear Path to Head of DepartmentAre 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 OutClear 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 DoingAs 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 ResponsibilitiesManaging your own caseload of corporate and commercial matters independently, including company formations, share sales and purchases, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, and business restructuresAdvising clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors on a broad range of corporate transactions and commercial mattersMentoring and supervising junior lawyers (NQ solicitor and apprentice) who will form the foundation of the department's futureBuilding strong client relationships and acting as a trusted adviser to established and growing businessesContributing to business development through networking, client development, and thought leadershipPlaying a key role in succession planning and preparing for Head of Department responsibilitiesBeing office-based 3 days per week to provide hands-on mentorship and team developmentShaping the strategic direction of the corporate department in collaboration with firm leadership What We're Looking ForEssential RequirementsQualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE in Corporate & Commercial LawStrong 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 supervisionExperience mentoring and developing junior lawyers or traineesExcellent client relationship management and communication skillsCommercial awareness and pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to client adviceLeadership ambition with genuine interest in progressing to Head of DepartmentCommitment to hybrid working (3 days office-based, 2 days flexible)Based in or willing to relocate to Bradford or surrounding Yorkshire areasHighly DesirableSector experience working with Industry, Manufacturing, or Commercial clientsDemonstrated business development success in corporate lawExperience in succession planning or departmental leadership rolesTrack record of team development and building high-performing legal teamsStrong negotiation skills and experience handling complex transactionsInvolvement in strategic planning or departmental management What's on Offer: Your Benefits PackageSalary: £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 inputPartnership potential as the department and your role developFull support for professional development and leadership trainingAutonomy to shape the department's future direction and growth strategyWorking 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 officeModern working environment with supportive infrastructureProfessional Benefits:Established client base – inherit strong relationships and loyal clientsJunior team support – NQ solicitor and apprentice to assist with your caseloadStrong firm reputation – leverage decades of goodwill and client trustDiverse client base – work with Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sector clients across YorkshireCPD and training support – ongoing professional development and leadership trainingAdditional Benefits:Competitive salary with scope for performance-based increases and progressionPension scheme with employer contributions25 days annual leave plus bank holidaysProfessional subscriptions covered (Law Society, SRA fees)Supportive, collaborative culture within an established firmParking available at office location About Our ClientOur 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 ArrangementsOffice Location: Bradford, West YorkshireSatellite 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 ApplyIf 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 StepFor a confidential discussion about this succession planning opportunity, please contact:Lee Hawthorne-FinchHawthorne-Finch Talent SolutionsEmail: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.comPhone: 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.