Senior associate (Commercial contracts & IP)

We are looking for a determined and accomplished contract and IP solicitor to join our Commercial Law team.

You will provide expert legal advice and support in all aspects of commercial contracts, ensuring that clients’ interests are protected through the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex contractual agreements. This role involves managing high-value and high-profile matters, advising clients on legal risks, and guiding them through contract-related issues with a strategic and commercial approach.

Key tasks/responsibilities:

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, software / IT contracts, distribution agreements, outsourcing, and other business-related contracts.
• Advise clients on legal risks, obligations, and rights under commercial contracts. Provide strategic guidance on contract formation, performance, and termination.
• Identify and mitigate risks within contracts, ensuring that clients’ business objectives are achieved while protecting their legal interests.
• Advising on intellectual property matters that impact client’s branding and product development;
• Advising on data protection to include responding to DSARs, writing policies and procedures, and advising on compliance, generally.
• Conduct thorough legal research to inform contract strategies, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Provide support in resolving contractual disputes, including advising on litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Provide legal support in M&A transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, ensuring that contracts align with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and support junior associates and paralegals, providing guidance on legal matters and helping to develop their skills.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing clear and timely communication and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Helping the Business Services group to develop new relationships with referrers and prospective clients.
• Undertaking some internal commercial work, reporting to the firm’s General Counsel and IT director.

Knowledge, education, and experience required:

• Qualified solicitor with a law degree and relevant professional qualifications.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial contracts, with a strong track record in drafting and negotiating complex agreements.
• In-depth understanding of commercial contract law, including relevant statutes, case law, and industry standards.
• The ability to work autonomously and be responsible for building a caseload either from existing clients or making new relationships.
• Understanding of soft IP (copyright and trade marks) and general knowledge surround other forms of IP.
• Understanding of UK GDPR and Data Protection compliance.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and client management skills.
• Business development skills and ideas.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and provide strategic solutions.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Commercially aware, proactive, and solution-focused, with a commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Well connected in the Midland’s business community with strong relationship with accountants and other referrers (to include other solicitors’ practices that don’t have a commercial team and General Counsel).

How to apply

Please send an up-to-date CV and cover letter to our HR manager, Emma Phillips. Emma will then contact you to arrange a confidential conversation.