At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile corporate transactions and manage client relationships in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join Ashfords, a top-tier legal firm with a focus on innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in corporate law while working alongside experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years PQE in corporate law with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit an experienced and driven Senior Associate (ideally with 5-7 years PQE) to play a key role in the continued growth and development of our Legal 500 tier 1 ranked Corporate team in either Bristol or Exeter. You’ll join a friendly, collaborative and solutions‑focused team that takes the time to understand what our clients want to achieve and applies clear, commercial judgment to deliver excellent outcomes.
Working with clients ranging from entrepreneurial start‑ups to major international organisations, you will lead on a broad portfolio of transactions including M&A, venture capital, cross‑border matters, private equity investments, joint ventures and restructurings. In this senior role, you will take a hands‑on approach to managing client relationships, supervising junior lawyers, and contributing to the strategic development of the practice. You will have the opportunity to deepen your sector expertise while developing trusted relationships across private equity, venture capital and other funds, as well as public and private companies.
If you are seeking a senior role where you can work on high‑calibre transactions that rival London firms, alongside Partners and lawyers with significant City experience, all whilst enjoying a positive work/life balance, this is an excellent opportunity for you.
Who you are
With a strong track record in a high‑performing corporate team, you will bring excellent technical ability, sound commercial judgment, and the confidence to manage complex transactions with autonomy. You will be a clear, credible communicator with the organisational skills expected of a senior member of the team. Our relationships with clients sit at the heart of how we work. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to build deep, long‑lasting relationships, supported by a genuine commitment to understanding their commercial priorities.
Self‑motivated and ambitious, you will have a strong interest in the corporate landscape – from M&A and private equity to venture capital and broader market developments, and the drive to help us continue to grow and evolve our practice. In a fast‑moving market, clients depend on us to provide proactive, commercially informed and up‑to‑date advice. You will bring enthusiasm for corporate law, strong awareness of legal and market trends, and an understanding of how these shape strategic decisions for our clients.
In return, we will support your progression and help you strengthen your sector knowledge, expand your professional networks, and take advantage of business development opportunities as you continue to build your professional profile and play a key role in the future success of the team.
At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work. When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.
With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work‑life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career. Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way. Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward‑thinking team.
Our offer
We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance. Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.
You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.
What’s next?
Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.
We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.
At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at talentattraction@ashfords.co.uk.
For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager - t.tompkins@ashfords.co.uk. Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Senior Associate (5 - 7 PQE) in Bristol employer: Ashfords LLP
Ashfords LLP is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their legal career in the vibrant city of Exeter. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages learning and growth, alongside opportunities to engage in meaningful property litigation work. The firm values collaboration and offers a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate (5 - 7 PQE) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Associate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their work and how you can contribute to their Corporate team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with M&A, private equity, and venture capital. Highlight specific transactions you've led and how they align with what the firm is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Ashfords.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate (5 - 7 PQE) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 5-7 years PQE in corporate law. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements and the types of transactions you've handled.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who fits into our friendly and collaborative team, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you in your career.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Ashfords!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashfords LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your corporate law knowledge, especially around M&A, private equity, and venture capital. Be ready to discuss recent trends and how they impact client decisions. This shows you’re not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since building relationships is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Think about times when you’ve gone above and beyond to understand a client's needs and how that led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Senior Associate, you’ll be supervising junior lawyers. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you’ve mentored others or contributed to team success. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative environment.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Ashfords' core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference, and Always Grow. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
