Commercial Associate

Commercial Tech Associate 3+PQE - Manchester (Open to Birmingham) - Salary up to £80k

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commercial and Technology Associate (3+ PQE) to join a leading national commercial practice, recognised for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice across sectors including mobility and automotive, retail, logistics, technology and life sciences
.

This role offers exposure to cutting-edge commercial and technology projects
, including e-commerce, outsourcing, digital transformation, and other business-critical initiatives. You’ll be at the forefront of client relationships, managing your own matters while collaborating closely with senior lawyers on high-value, multi-jurisdictional work.

The role is ideal for a technically strong lawyer who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment, enjoys variety, and wants to grow their expertise in commercial, technology and IP matters.

You can expect:

• Early responsibility for significant client matters
• Exposure to international and multi-office transactions
• Opportunities to gain in-house secondment experience
• A clear framework for professional growth and progression
• Mentoring and support from experienced partners and senior associates

You’ll join a national commercial and technology team supporting high-profile UK and international clients across complex and strategically important matters.

The team advises clients on a broad range of matters, including:

• Commercial contracts and procurement agreements
• Technology and digital arrangements, including SaaS and cloud platforms
• Outsourcing and managed services contracts
• Intellectual property advisory and licensing
• Cross-border transactions and multi-jurisdictional projects

The team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. You’ll be able to contribute ideas, develop your skills, and work directly with senior colleagues on high-profile client matters from day one.

• Advising on and managing a portfolio of commercial and technology contracts.
• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing high-value commercial and tech agreements.
• Supporting senior lawyers on complex or multi-party transactions.
• Contributing to client relationship management and business development activities.
• Collaborating with colleagues across offices and service lines on significant matters.
• Mentoring junior lawyers and supporting the development of the wider team.
• Participating in secondments and client-facing projects where appropriate.

You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3+ years’ PQE
, gained within a recognised commercial, tech or IP practice.

You will have:

• Solid experience in commercial contracts and technology-related work.
• Exposure to outsourcing, SaaS, cloud or digital transformation projects (desirable).
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Confidence managing your own workload and client relationships.
• A solutions-driven, commercially aware approach.
• Ambition to grow your career within a collaborative, high-performing team.

This role is ideal for a lawyer who thrives on variety, enjoys working with complex clients and wants to deepen their expertise across commercial and technology matters.

• Salary up to £80k
• Generous bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
• Company Pension
• Private Medical and Travel Insurance

Apply in the strictest of confidence

E-mail: dominika.hold

WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT

William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.