Head of Corporate - junior or senior partner appointment

Head of Corporate - Junior or Senior Partner appointment - Lancashire

Just a little bit about the firm to set the scene. The firm is a recognised legal 500 firm with a blend of both personal and corporate clients. With a particular strength in commercial litigation and consequent breadth of corporate clients the firm is looking to further grow and develop its corporate offering.

The role itself would comprise a number of components (accepting that people may have different strengths and preferences) which the firm hopes any prospective candidates would embrace.

First and foremost, they are looking for someone with a strong technical capability. Someone who has experience of good sized M&A work (leading and advising) and exposure to dealing with a range of commercial clients large and small. In some respects this is obvious but the rationale feeds into the wider components below.

Secondly, and leading on from the first, as the firm has an existing small team of lawyers, they need someone who will also be adept at providing support, supervision and overall management of the team. Personality is a part of that and culture is important to the firm - it works both ways but they are looking for someone who enjoys working with people and does so in a calm, professional and engaging manner.

Thirdly, business development. Whilst there are strong client connections and opportunities that exist internally it is important that someone is also willing to look to and promote in the external market and can show past success in doing so. 

Whilst the above represents an ideal list they recognise that everybody has different skills - it is envisaged that any prospective candidates could fall into two camps. 

Perhaps an existing corporate commercial partner in a larger city but with links, connections and a desire to make a mark within Lancashire. Alternatively, an ambitious senior associate or legal director frustrated with their route for progression who wants to set out and make their mark with links into Lancashire.

Or maybe something else completely.

Whilst there is an open mind, hitting some elements of the above 3 points is going to be fairly central. Does it require a following? No. Obviously if someone has work to bring then that would be welcomed but it is not always expected. Seniority of a candidate might increase the expectation to have more of an established proposition but there is an awareness that circumstances don't always allow this to move with ease. Above all, they will be looking for some examples of where this has been achieved or the in roads that have been made (beyond simply attending networking events) but a clear desire to develop the firm's corporate offering is just as important.

The hope is that for the right person, the skills the firm seek will also represent a means for the individual to achieve their own goals and afford the chance to lead and help grow a team alongside working in a firm with, arguably, a more relaxed and friendly culture.

If you are a corporate lawyer, partner, director or sufficiently experienced senior associate and feel that you tick some of the boxes (for them and for you), then send your cv to paulwarburton@thinklegalrecruitment.com for consideration and where appropriate a confidential discussion.