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• Escape the high-pressure corporate grind and take the lead on building something new
• Step into a senior strategic role with a clear route to Board-level progression
• Enjoy a slower pace of life, without compromising on quality or ambition

If you’re a senior corporate solicitor or partner currently in a big city practice—this role offers a rare opportunity to shape a department, step into firm leadership, and enjoy a significantly improved work-life balance.

You’ll be joining a Legal 500 firm with a reputation for punching above its weight and a leadership team committed to sustainable, long-term growth. The corporate function has a strong base of instructions and backing from the firm to expand. You’ll help steady the ship, supervise and support a junior team member, and—within 12 months—be on track to take over as Head of Corporate and earn a seat at the Board table.

This is part of the firm’s wider succession planning and presents a genuine platform to make your mark while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living and working in York, Harrogate or Leeds. Whether you’re originally from Yorkshire and ready to return, or simply want to live somewhere greener, slower and more affordable, this is your chance to do high-quality corporate work in a down-to-earth setting.

Who we’re looking for

• 8+ PQE corporate solicitor or junior partner
• Experience of managing a varied transactional caseload, including M&A
• Demonstrable business development record and commercial acumen
• Strong supervisory skills and appetite to lead
• Background in a mid-sized, regional, or national firm
• Willingness to relocate or regularly commute to Harrogate / York / Leeds

Salary & benefits

• £90,000–£95,000 depending on experience
• Departmental profit share bonus (typically c.10% of billings above target)
• Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increases with service)
• Buy / sell holiday scheme
• 3% employer pension contribution (post-qualifying period)
• Westfield Health cash plan and Champion Health wellbeing platform
• Life assurance (4x salary), free simple Will, and legal fee discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme and interest‑free season ticket loan
• Hybrid working with flexible hours and time‑banking (up to one day per quarter)
• Monthly socials and transparent firm performance updates

Contact Duane Cormell

If you’re a senior corporate lawyer or partner looking to leave the rat race and lead somewhere you can truly thrive, contact Duane Cormell at duane@realmrecruit.com or call 03300 245 606 for a confidential chat.