At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing corporate team and manage complex legal matters.
- Company: Dynamic law firm in Hale, Greater Manchester with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, healthcare package, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Office-based role with excellent career growth and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership role and make a significant impact in corporate law.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years PQE and strong leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 130000 £ per year.
Location: Hale (Greater Manchester)
Salary: £90,000 to £130,000
Experience: 8+ years PQE
Lead and grow a high-performing corporate and commercial function. Our client is looking to appoint a Head of Company Commercial Department to play a strategic and operational leadership role in driving the firm’s corporate legal services. This is a senior opportunity for an experienced corporate lawyer who enjoys combining hands-on fee earning with team leadership, service excellence, and business development.
You will lead a team of solicitors and support staff, supervise complex casework, and take ownership of the department’s performance and growth. The working environment is office-based to support collaboration, learning, and day-to-day support. You will report directly to the Owner and Managing Director and will be part of the senior leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Team leadership and management
- Leading, supervising and mentoring a team of corporate solicitors and paralegals
- Providing technical guidance and oversight on complex matters
- Supporting recruitment, retention and development of high-calibre talent
- Running regular team meetings and 1:1s, encouraging collaboration and a positive culture
- Client management and fee earning
- Maintaining and developing a portfolio of corporate clients
- Advising on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including:
- M&A
- Joint ventures
- Shareholder agreements
- Restructures
- Commercial contracts
- Acting as principal advisor on high-value or high-risk matters
- Contributing to billing and financial performance through efficient case management and fee generation
- Ensuring consistent client service standards, responsiveness and professionalism
- Supporting consistent file standards and ways of working, including regular matter reviews
- Supporting billing discipline and timely management of monies on account
- Strategic development and compliance
- Contributing to the strategic plan and growth of the department
- Ensuring compliance with SRA requirements and internal policies, including risk management and quality assurance
- Keeping up to date with legal developments and evolving client needs
- Business development
- Driving business development initiatives to grow the corporate client base
- Representing the firm at networking and industry events
- Supporting prompt, professional handling of new enquiries and maximising conversion
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate
- 8+ years PQE in corporate law, ideally with leadership or senior management experience
- Strong track record managing complex corporate matters and client portfolios
- Proven experience leading and developing legal teams
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to contribute to strategic planning
- Experience in business development and client acquisition
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, comfortable advising at board and shareholder level
- Strong organisation, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Confident with practice management systems and Microsoft Office
Values for Success
- Empathy and a client-first approach
- Tenacity and resilience
- Adaptability and a solutions-focused mindset
- Excellence and continuous improvement
- Integrity and strong professional standards
- Accountability and ownership
- Clear, confident communication
What’s On Offer
- Employee bonus scheme of up to an additional 10% of salary annually (T&Cs apply)
- Healthcare package including: 24/7 GP access, £100 towards dental treatment per year, £100 towards glasses per year, £250 towards physio per year, annual eye tests, annual hearing tests
- Death in service (4x salary)
- Company pension
- Pet insurance (cats and dogs, subject to conditions)
- Counselling service
- Monthly in-office massages (15 minutes per person)
- PureGym membership
- Annual flu jab
- Birthday off work
Working Arrangements
- Office-based working, Hale, Greater Manchester
- Full-time, permanent
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Head of Corporate (Solicitor) in Altrincham employer: Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in Leeds, where your ambition and expertise as an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant will be valued. With a strong focus on career progression, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to mentor junior team members, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to build lasting client relationships while contributing to the firm's growth.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate (Solicitor) in Altrincham
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate (Solicitor) in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions and the specific role of Head of Corporate (Solicitor). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions.