At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a corporate law team, manage diverse caseloads, and mentor junior lawyers.
- Company: Established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation and loyal clients.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression to Head of Department, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Step into leadership with a clear succession plan and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5 years PQE in Corporate & Commercial Law.
- Other info: Supportive culture with professional development and training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: 60,000 – 80,000 (dependent on experience, PQE, and leadership readiness)
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.
About the Firm
Our client is a well‑established Yorkshire‑based law firm with a rich heritage and a diverse client portfolio spanning Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Clear succession plan leading to Head of Department
- Leadership from Day One – manage a varied corporate caseload while mentoring junior team members
- Genuine flexibility – option to establish a new satellite office
- Strong platform – join a department with loyal clients and a reputation built over many years
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a high‑quality caseload of corporate and commercial matters independently (company formations, share sales & purchases, commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, business restructures)
- Advise clients across Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors on a broad range of transactions
- Mentor and supervise junior lawyers (NQ solicitor and apprentice)
- Build and nurture client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser
- Contribute to business development through networking and thought leadership
- Play a key role in succession planning and prepare for Head of Department responsibilities
- Be office‑based 3 days per week to provide hands‑on mentorship and team development
- Shape the strategic direction of the corporate department in collaboration with firm leadership
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 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
- Leadership ambition with genuine interest in progressing to Head of Department
- Commitment to hybrid working (3 days office‑based, 2 days flexible)
- Base in, or willingness to relocate to, Keighley or surrounding 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
Benefits
- Competitive salary with scope for performance‑based increases and progression
- Clear succession pathway to Head of Corporate Department
- Leadership responsibilities from day one, 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
- Hybrid working model (3 days office‑based, 2 days flexible)
- Flexible office location based in Keighley with option to establish a satellite office
- Modern working environment with supportive infrastructure
- Established client base with strong relationships and loyal clients
- Junior team support (NQ solicitor and apprentice) to assist with caseload
- Strong firm reputation and client trust
- Diverse client base (Industry, Manufacturing, Commercial) across Yorkshire
- CPD and training support – ongoing professional development and leadership training
- Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Professional subscriptions covered (Law Society & SRA fees)
- Parking available at office location
- Supportive collaborative culture within an established firm
Working Arrangements
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.
Contact
For a confidential discussion about this succession planning opportunity, please contact: Lee Hawthorne‑Finch, Hawthorne‑Finch Talent Solutions. Email: [contact email] Phone: [contact phone]. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Senior Corporate Lawyer in Bradford employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Corporate Lawyer in Bradford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or giving talks on corporate law topics you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its clients. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing corporate transactions. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that highlight your leadership skills and client relationship management.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Corporate Lawyer role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Corporate Lawyer in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Corporate Lawyer role. Highlight your PQE, leadership experience, and any relevant corporate transactions you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your ambition for leadership and how you can contribute to the firm's success.
Showcase Your Mentoring Skills: Since mentoring junior lawyers is key in this role, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully guided others in your previous positions. This will show us your leadership potential!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your corporate and commercial law knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those involving company formations, share sales, and business restructures. This will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.
✨Show Leadership Potential
Since this role has a clear succession plan to Head of Department, demonstrate your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've mentored junior lawyers or contributed to team development. Highlight your ambition and readiness to take on leadership responsibilities from day one.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Client relationship management is key in this role, so practice building rapport during your interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about the firm’s culture and client base, and show genuine interest in their work. This will help you stand out as a trusted adviser.
✨Prepare for Business Development Discussions
Be ready to talk about your experience in business development and how you can contribute to the firm's growth. Think of strategies you've used in the past to build client relationships and expand your network. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and proactive approach.