Head of Corporate Law

Head of Corporate Law

Manchester Full-Time 72000 - 108000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic Corporate Law department, overseeing complex cases and mentoring a talented team.
  • Company: Join an award-winning UK law firm known for its commitment to excellence and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like private healthcare, performance bonuses, and social subscriptions like Netflix and Spotify.
  • Why this job: Shape business growth while making a real impact in a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with 8+ years PQE in corporate law and proven leadership skills.
  • Other info: Work closely with senior leadership and drive strategic initiatives in a thriving legal landscape.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Β£ per year.

Take the lead in shaping a Corporate Law department at a nationally recognised firm. An award-winning UK law firm is seeking a strategic, driven Head of Corporate Law (8+ PQE) to lead its Corporate Department. This is a pivotal role for an experienced solicitor with a passion for both high-calibre legal work and team leadership. You will join the firm's senior leadership team, playing a central part in shaping business growth while mentoring a high-performing legal team.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee the strategic development and day-to-day performance of the Corporate Law department. This includes team leadership, supervision of complex casework, and development of your own portfolio of clients. The role is ideal for someone who is both commercially astute and people-focused, capable of delivering top-tier service while nurturing talent and driving results.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Team Leadership & Management
    • Lead and support a team of corporate solicitors and paralegals
    • Oversee complex casework, ensuring legal excellence and compliance
    • Conduct regular team meetings and 1:1s, promote collaboration, and drive a positive culture
    • Recruit, mentor, and retain top legal talent
  • Client Management & Fee-Earning
    • Manage a portfolio of high-value corporate clients, providing expert advice across M&A, restructures, JVs, shareholder agreements, and contracts
    • Serve as principal advisor on high-risk and strategic matters
    • Ensure consistent billing practices and monitor financial performance of the department
    • Maintain exceptional levels of service and professionalism
  • Strategic Development & Compliance
    • Contribute to the firm's growth strategy and lead on corporate legal service expansion
    • Ensure full compliance with SRA regulations and internal policies
    • Monitor legal trends and maintain up-to-date industry knowledge
  • Business Development
    • Drive business development initiatives with the Commercial Director
    • Represent the firm at events and develop a strong network of existing and prospective clients
    • Ensure prompt and professional handling of all new enquiries

Role Requirements:

  • Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a valid practising certificate
  • Minimum 8+ years PQE in corporate law with proven leadership experience
  • Deep understanding of corporate law including M&A, governance, and commercial contracts
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills at board/shareholder level
  • Demonstrable success in business development and strategic planning
  • Inspirational leadership and mentoring skills
  • Excellent organisation and time management; able to handle competing priorities
  • Proficiency in legal practice management systems and Microsoft Office

Key Values for Success:

  • Empathy: Tailoring legal solutions that resonate with each client's unique needs
  • Tenacity: Relentlessly pursuing the best results for clients and the business
  • Adaptability: Collaborating across legal teams to meet evolving client needs
  • Excellence: Driving continuous improvement and delivering outstanding outcomes
  • Integrity: Acting with transparency and trust at all times
  • Accountability: Owning your performance as a leader and fee earner
  • Communication: Influencing and leading with clarity, conviction, and purpose

Benefits Package Includes:

  • Up to 10% annual performance bonus
  • Private healthcare package: 24/7 GP access, dental, optical, physiotherapy support
  • Annual eye and hearing tests
  • Death in service benefit (4x salary)
  • Company pension scheme
  • Pet insurance (cats and dogs)
  • Access to a confidential counselling service
  • Monthly office massages, PureGym membership, annual flu jab
  • 5 days paid sick leave per year (on up to 2 occasions)
  • Birthday off work
  • Social perks: Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Apple News+
  • Free conveyancing for employees

Why apply through Goldfinch & Partners?

At Goldfinch & Partners, we don’t just match CVs with vacancies; we build long-term careers. As the leading Legal Recruitment Company in the UK, we partner with forward-thinking firms who offer real progression, support, and balance. Every search we undertake starts from scratch - no databases, no generic introductions. We get to know you and introduce you with care, discretion, and professionalism.

Apply with Confidence

If you are ready to lead with impact and want to be represented by a recruitment partner who understands your value, apply today via Goldfinch & Partners. We offer full discretion, in-depth support, and a truly personal approach. Let’s shape your future together.

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Contact Detail:

Goldfinch & Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Law

✨Tip Number 1

Network strategically within the legal community. Attend industry events, seminars, and conferences where you can meet key players in corporate law. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and insights about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Demonstrate your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about team management and mentoring. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past during interviews or networking opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in corporate law, especially regarding M&A and governance. Being knowledgeable about current issues will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your business development strategies. Think about how you've previously contributed to growth in your roles and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your commercial acumen.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Law

Leadership and Team Management
Corporate Law Expertise
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Commercial Contracts Knowledge
Strategic Planning
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
Financial Performance Monitoring
Communication Skills at Board Level
Time Management and Organisation
Proficiency in Legal Practice Management Systems
Adaptability to Evolving Client Needs
Mentoring and Talent Development

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in corporate law, particularly your leadership roles and any relevant achievements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and complex casework.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for corporate law and your strategic vision for leading a department. Mention how your values align with those of the firm and provide examples of how you've driven business development in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in mentoring and developing legal talent. Provide concrete examples of how you've fostered collaboration and a positive culture within your teams.

Highlight Client Management Experience: Detail your experience managing high-value corporate clients and your approach to providing expert advice on complex matters. Include any successful outcomes from your client interactions that demonstrate your capability in this area.

How to prepare for a job interview at Goldfinch & Partners

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Corporate Law, you'll be expected to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your mentoring and leadership style.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your understanding of corporate law and how it impacts business growth. Highlight any experience you have with M&A, restructures, or other relevant areas that align with the firm's needs.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Since this role involves contributing to the firm's growth strategy, think about how you can drive business development initiatives. Be prepared to share ideas on expanding corporate legal services.

✨Exemplify the Firm's Values

Familiarise yourself with the firm's core values such as empathy, tenacity, and integrity. During the interview, illustrate how you embody these values in your professional conduct and decision-making.

Head of Corporate Law
Goldfinch & Partners
Location: Manchester
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