Commercial Associate

Commercial Associate 2+PQE - Manchester (Open to Leeds) - Salary up to £85k The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Lawyer (2+ PQE) to join a highly regarded commercial practice advising leading UK and international businesses
.

This role offers exposure to a broad mix of commercial and technology-driven work, supporting clients operating across sectors such as consumer brands, sport, digital, technology, manufacturing and regulated industries
.

You’ll be trusted early with responsibility, managing your own matters while also supporting senior lawyers on larger, strategically important projects. For lawyers looking to strengthen their commercial skillset in a fast-moving and collaborative environment, this role offers excellent scope for development.

You can expect:

• Structured support and mentoring.
• Early responsibility and meaningful client exposure.
• Opportunities to deepen expertise across commercial, tech and IP matters.
• The option to explore secondment opportunities as your career develops.
• A clear framework for progression based on performance and potential.

You’ll join an international commercial practice working closely across offices on complex and cross-border matters.

The team advises on a wide range of commercial arrangements, including:

• Commercial contracting and supply arrangements
• Technology and digital agreements
• Outsourcing and managed services
• Cloud, SaaS and licensing models
• Intellectual property use and protection

The culture is supportive, inclusive and quality-driven — combining high standards with approachability and genuine teamwork.

• Draft, negotiate and advise on a variety of commercial contracts.
• Support clients on both customer-side and supplier-side arrangements.
• Work closely with senior lawyers on larger or multi-party transactions.
• Take ownership of matters, managing timelines and priorities effectively.
• Provide commercially focused advice that balances legal risk with business objectives.
• Engage directly with clients and build trusted working relationships.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across offices and disciplines.

You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 2–6 years’ PQE
, gained within a recognised commercial practice.

You will have:

• Experience advising on general commercial contracts.
• Exposure to technology, digital or IT-related matters (desirable but not essential).
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Confidence managing your own workload.
• A genuine interest in working closely with clients and understanding their businesses.
• This role would suit a lawyer who enjoys variety, responsibility and working with commercially sophisticated clients.

• Salary up to £85k
• Generous bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays and Christmas
• Company Pension
• Travel & Medical Insurance

Apply in the strictest of confidence

E-mail: dominika.hold

WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT

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