Senior Corporate Lawyer
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 + Excellent Benefits
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.
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. 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 Keighley 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 Keighley or surrounding 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 Keighley 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: Keighley, West 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: Bradford, Skipton, Halifax, Leeds, Shipley, Bingley, and surrounding West Yorkshire areas.
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