Senior Corporate Lawyer in Skipton

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + Excellent Benefits

Location: Skipton Area

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, 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 Out

• Clear Succession Plan – Join with a defined pathway to Head of Department as the current head prepares for retirement.
• 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 Skipton 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 Doing

As 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 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, 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 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 Skipton or surrounding North 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 (structured timeline).
• Leadership responsibilities from day one with 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.

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid working model – 3 days office-based, 2 days flexible (home or alternative location).
• Flexible office location – based in Skipton with option to establish a satellite office.
• Modern working environment with supportive infrastructure.

Professional Benefits:

• Established client base – inherit strong relationships and loyal clients.
• Junior team support – NQ solicitor and apprentice to assist with your caseload.
• Strong firm reputation – leverage decades of goodwill and client trust.
• Diverse client base – work with Industry, Manufacturing, and Commercial sector clients across Yorkshire.
• CPD and training support – ongoing professional development and leadership training.

Additional Benefits:

• 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).
• Supportive, collaborative culture within an established firm.
• Parking available at office location.

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. 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 Arrangements

• Office Location: Skipton, North 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 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: Keighley, Harrogate, Ilkley, Bradford, Leeds, Settle, and surrounding North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire areas.

How to Apply

If 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 Step

For a confidential discussion about this succession planning opportunity, please contact: Lee Hawthorne-Finch Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions.

Email: Phone: 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.

About Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

We are an independent recruitment agency specialising in legal and accountancy recruitment across the UK. We pride ourselves on our ethical practices, transparency, and personalised service. We provide comprehensive support including CV reviews, interview preparation, and career coaching throughout the recruitment process. Our commitment: We prioritise candidate alignment over quick placements, ensuring the right fit for both candidate and client.